Graphic designer in the US

Creates visual concepts for branding, print, digital, and product. Often combined with UX, web, or motion roles in smaller firms.

BLS 2024 reference median: $59,000 gross. Take-home varies by state — see the state breakdown below.

Frequently asked questions

What is a US graphic designer's take-home pay at the median salary?
The 2024 BLS median graphic designer salary is $59,000 gross. After federal income tax + state income tax (California baseline) + FICA, take-home is $47,660 per year ($3,972 per month, 19.2% effective).
Which US state gives a graphic designer the highest take-home?
Across the 5 currently-supported states, Texas yields the highest net at the graphic designer median ($49,445); Illinois yields the lowest ($46,662) — a $2,783 per-year delta driven entirely by state income tax (federal + FICA are identical).
What is the marginal tax rate on a US graphic designer salary?
At the $59,000 median, the next 100 of gross retains $74 in California — a marginal rate of 25.6%. Marginal rate is what applies to overtime, bonuses, and pre-tax 401(k) reductions.
Where does the US median graphic designer salary come from?
BLS Occupational Employment Statistics May 2024 release. It is a national median — actual salaries vary substantially by metro area (a SF Bay Area graphic designer earns well above the national median; a rural-Midwest one well below). Plug your actual salary into the calculator above; switch the state picker to see the state-specific net.
What is NOT included in this US take-home calculation?
Pre-tax 401(k), HSA, FSA contributions, employer-sponsored health insurance premiums deducted from gross, RSU vesting, and any local/city income tax (NYC, Philadelphia, Detroit, etc.) are not modeled in v1. The calculator assumes the median is base salary, federal + state + FICA only.