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Creative, Arts, & ExpressionStable

Designer

Operational-level

Also known as: Advertising Designer, China Painter, Colorer, Colorist

Creative, Arts, & ExpressionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a designer, you imagine and create visuals, products, or experiences that solve problems and look great. You might work in an agency, for a company, or freelance, often collaborating with clients and other team members. You'll use a range of tools, from sketching pads to advanced design software like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD programs. This role suits creative problem-solvers who pay close attention to detail and enjoy bringing ideas to life.
Graphic DesignProduct DesignUser Experience DesignVisual CommunicationIndustrial DesignCreative ArtsTechnologyMarketingCreativeMedia

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+1.2%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

2,100

per year (US)

Jobs today

29,500

in 2025 → 29,900 (2035)

Typical entry education

Bachelor's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

The outlook for designers is stable, with about 2,100 job openings expected each year through 2035, and employment projected to grow by 1.2%. Designers earn a median annual wage of $64,950. Advancing often involves taking on more complex projects, specializing, or moving into leadership roles like Design Lead.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Assistant Designer
  • Junior Graphic Designer
  • Design Intern

Where it can lead

  • Senior Designer
  • Design Lead
  • Creative Director

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly impact designers by automating repetitive tasks like image generation, layout suggestions, and content creation, allowing designers to focus on strategic thinking, complex problem-solving, and human-centered design. Designers will need to master AI tools for enhanced efficiency, personalized experiences, and generating novel concepts, shifting their role towards curation, ethical considerations, and prompt engineering.