Graphic Designer

£31,286

Average salary

Average annual salary UK 2020 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

38 hours

Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours UK 2019 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

2.3%

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate UK 2020 | Labour Force Survey

Definition: Graphic designers

*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 3421

Graphic designers use illustrative, sound, visual and multimedia techniques to convey a message for information, entertainment, advertising, promotion or publicity purposes, and create special visual effects and animations for computer games, film, interactive and other media.

Common tasks include:

liaises with client to clarify aims of project brief, discusses media, software and technology to be used, establishes timetable for project and defines budgetary constraints;
undertakes research into project, considers previous related projects and compares costs of using different processes;
prepares sketches, scale drawings, models, colour schemes and other mock-ups to show clients and discusses any required alterations;
prepares specification and instructions for realisation of the project;
liaises with other parts of the production team to ensure graphic design fits with other elements, processes and timescales;
produces or oversees creation of the final product.

Qualifications

Entrants have usually completed a foundation course, a BTEC/SQA award, a degree and/or postgraduate qualification. NVQs/SVQs in Design (in various disciplines) are available at Levels 2 and 3. Portfolio work is also important for entry.

*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.

Employment status: Graphic designers

Regional employment: Graphic designers

Future employment: Graphic designers

Top 12 industries: Graphic designers

Alternative & related job titles: Graphic designers

Artworker Artist, computer Designer, art Artist, layout Designer, display Artist, digital Artist, graphic Copyist, designer's Designer, 3D Animator, VFX Artist, stereo Animator, 3D Artist, games, computer Copyist, design Copyist (textile printing) Consultant, design, graphic Designer, graphic Animator, computer Designer (advertising) Animator, 2D, computer Assistant, graphics Animator, 3D, computer Artist, 3D Technician, graphics Artist, lithographic Artist, VFX Designer, digital Animator, 2D Artist, effects, visual Designer, exhibition Operator, DTP Controller, display Artist, technical Illuminator Officer, services, creative Operator, publishing, top, desk Assistant, publishing Illustrator, technical Assistant, publications Copier, design Decorator, display Artist, Mac Setter-out Animator, motion, stop Officer, graphics Visualiser (advertising) Coordinator, design, graphic Artist, effects, digital Operator, Mac Operator, Mac, Apple Artist, commercial Artist, lettering Animator, effects, visual Artist, litho Designer, multi-media

Equality focus: Graphic designers

Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.