Washington, DC Graphic Designers Career Guide

If youre looking to earn the highest financial rewards for your creativity and skills in the area of graphic design, then DC might be your cup of tea. At a median annual salary of $55,370, the District of Columbia pays the highest national wages for graphic designers overall, followed by the state of New York at $49,080, and the state of California at $46,560. At the metropolitan level, Washington pays the third highest wage ($49,810). At $50,550, the New York annual wage is the second highest, and at $56,390, San Francisco pays the highest annual median wage for graphic designers in the nation. The difference between Washington, DC, and New York and San Francisco, however, is affordability.

The annual wage for graphic designers in Washington, DC is impressive if you consider Americas average median wage, which hovers around $40,000. The amount Washington, DC graphic designers earn each year is also impressive when you think about the nature of this highly regarded position. In addition to having a firm grasp of software programs such as Quark, Photoshop, and Flash, graphic designers must rely on their ability to generate fresh ideas and the design savvy to carry them out. For creative types, this is both fun and challenging something most employees value in a position.

There are more than 228,000 graphic designers across the country. 32% work part-time, 25.6% are self-employed, steady earners, and the rest work full-time. These successful graphic designers share many other characteristics outside of superior creative and technical skills. Graphic designers should have excellent project and time management skills as well as excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and organization skills. Most Washington, DC graphic design firms, advertising agencies, and publications also look for the ability to communicate, (i.e. the ability to effectively present ideas both visually and verbally), enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. They also look for individuals with a degree.

Although some Washington, DC graphic design firms will hire associate degree holders or individuals with some college, but no degree (certificate) for entry level positions, they prefer to hire individuals with a bachelors degree or higher. Currently, 6% of all graphic designers have a masters degree, 29.1% have a bachelors degree, and 18.8% have an associate degree. 19.3% have some college, but no degree. That said, the most talented entry-level graphic designers typically work their way up within three years.

So, what do you have to do to become a graphic designer in Washington, DC? For starters, you should enroll in a graphic design program at an accredited college or university. Most accredited art and design schools offer a degree in graphic design. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accredits 294 institutions that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in the areas of art and design. In Washington, DC, check with The Art Institute, Corcoran College of Art and Design or American University to see what they have to offer.

For more information about Washington, DC graphic designers or graphic design careers in general, please visit the websites listed below.

National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASADD) - /

College Degree Report - Graphic Designers Career, Salary, and Employment Info

The U.S Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics - /oco/ocos090.htm

U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences - /

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