Also known as: Advertising Designer, China Painter, Colorer, Colorist
+1.2%
US average: +3.5%
2,100
per year (US)
29,500
in 2025 → 29,900 (2035)
Bachelor's degree
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.
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
Where it can lead
$64,950
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Graphic Design
Vocational • Creative Arts • 2 years
Communication and Multimedia Design
Bachelor • Communication & Media • 4 years
Interaction Design
Bachelor • Design & Architecture • 4 years
Industrial Design
Bachelor • Design & Architecture • 4 years
Digital Arts
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years
Commercial and Advertising Art
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years