The design industry is booming. With more and more companies turning to digital marketing and advertising to reach their target audiences, the need for skilled designers has never been greater. If you're thinking of starting a career in digital design, you may be wondering just how much you can expect to earn in this type of creative role.
In this article, we'll take a look at the average salary range for Digital Designers in the United States. We'll also discuss some of the factors that can affect your earnings potential, such as experience level, type of employment, and region of the country. So whether you're just starting out in your career or you're looking to make a move to a new role or company, read on for insights into what to expect when it comes to a Digital Designer salary.
What Does a Digital Designer Do?
Before we dive into the salary data, let's take a quick look at what Digital Designers do day-to-day. In general, these designers are responsible for creating visuals that help to communicate the messaging of a company or product. This may include developing website designs, creating marketing materials (such as flyers and brochures), or crafting logos and branding elements.
Digital Designers work with a variety of tools and software programs to create their designs, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Depending on the company or client they are working for, designers may be expected to work within certain brand guidelines or design standards. Others may have more freedom to develop original concepts and visuals.
In some cases, Digital Designers may also be responsible for coding their designs into HTML or CSS. While this is not always required, it can be helpful to have at least basic knowledge of front end web development technologies.
What Affects a Digital Designer's Salary?
There are a number of factors that can affect how much money you can expect to earn as a Digital Designer. Here are a few of the most important ones:
Experience
As with most jobs, experience is often the biggest determining factor when it comes to salary. Digital Designers who have several years of experience under their belt can typically expect to earn more than those just starting out in the field.
Type of Employment
Your employment situation can also have a big impact on your salary. For example, freelancers typically charge more for their services than employees working at a company. Also, depending on the region of the country, freelance rates can vary significantly.
Industry
The industry you work in can also affect your earnings potential. Designers who work in tech-related industries, for example, may earn more than those who work in other industries.
Region
Salary data can also vary depending on the region of the country. In general, design jobs are more plentiful and pay more in larger cities than they do in smaller towns or rural areas.
What's the Average Digital Designer Salary?
Now that we've covered some of the factors that can affect a Digital Designer's salary, let's take a look at some numbers. According to Indeed, the average salary for a Digital Designer in the United States is $94,844. However, this number can vary significantly depending on experience level, type of employment, and other factors.
Different Digital Design Roles and Pay Scales
While the average salary for a Digital Designer is over $90,000, it's important to keep in mind that this number can vary depending on the specific role you're in. For example, a senior-level designer may earn significantly more than a junior-level designer. And those who work as freelancers or consultants often charge much higher rates than employees working at a company.
Here's a look at some different design roles, their responsibilities, and the anticipated pay rate.
Junior Digital Designer
A junior designer typically has one to three years of experience. They are responsible for creating simple designs and may work under the guidance of a more experienced designer. While they may receive some of the lowest salary rates, this can increase with experience and tenure.
Senior Digital Designer
A senior designer typically has five or more years of experience. They are responsible for developing complex designs and may lead a team of junior designers. Senior Digital Designers can expect to earn at least the national average salary, if not higher.
Freelance Digital Designer
Freelance digital designers are self-employed and typically work on a project basis. They often have more freedom when it comes to design projects and may charge higher rates than those working at a company. Freelance digital designers typically earn an hourly rate of $50-$100.
Digital Design Director
A Digital Design Director is responsible for overseeing the work of a team of designers. They make sure projects are completed on time and within budget, and often have the final say over the direction of a project. Digital design directors can expect to earn well over the national average salary for this type of role.
As you can see, there is a wide range in salaries for different digital design roles. The best way to determine how much you can expect to earn is to consider your experience level, type of employment, and other factors.
Freelance vs. Traditional Employment: Which Pays More?
As a Digital Designer, you have the option to work as a freelancer or traditional employee. And while both types of employment have their own set of benefits, which one pays more?
In general, freelancers can expect to earn more than those who are employed by a company. This is because freelancers often charge higher rates for their services. Depending on the region of the country, freelance rates can vary significantly.
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to working as a freelancer. For one, you may have to sacrifice job security and the benefits that come with traditional employment. And you'll also be responsible for finding your own clients and projects.
So, which should you choose? It really depends on your personal preferences and career goals. If you're looking for more freedom and flexibility, then freelancing may be the right choice for you. But if you prefer the stability of a traditional job, then working for a company may be a better option.
Digital Designer Salary: The Bottom Line
As a Digital Designer, your salary will depend on factors such as experience level, type of employment, and region of the country. In general, designers who work in tech-related fields can expect to earn more than those who work in other industries.
Also, the demand for Digital Designers continues to grow as technology advances. If you're interested in starting a career in this field, a live online graphic design bootcamp course may be a great option. These classes are versatile and allow you to learn from the comfort of your own home. Try searching for live online graphic design bootcamps in your area to get started.