Graphic designers
SOC Code: 27-1024
Graphic designers carries a 48% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $61,300 and +2.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 265,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Graphic designers (SOC 27-1024) carries an AI exposure score of 48%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 265,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +2.1% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $61,300, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Graphic designers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.
- 2. Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.
- 3. Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
- 4. Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
- 5. Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
- 6. Use computer software to generate new images.
- 7. Prepare digital files for printing.
- 8. Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.
- 9. Research the target audience of projects.
- 10. Draw and print charts, graphs, illustrations, and other artwork, using computer.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Design
- Computers and Electronics
- Fine Arts
- Communications and Media
- English Language
- Sales and Marketing
- Customer and Personal Service
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Graphic designers?
Graphic designers has an AI exposure score of 48%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Graphic designers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Graphic designers is projected to grow by 2.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 265,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Graphic designers?
Key skills for Graphic designers include Active Listening, Speaking, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Graphic designers earn?
The median annual wage for Graphic designers is $61,300, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Graphic designers?
The typical entry-level education for Graphic designers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Graphic designers?
Graphic designers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).