Revealed: Graphic Designer Salary Virginia
If you are a graphic designer in Virginia or plan to become one, you probably want to know – what is the graphic designer salary in Virginia?
In this article, we will reveal how much money graphic designers make in Virginia on average. We’ll look at the typical pay ranges for entry-level, mid-career, and experienced graphic designers across the state.
We’ll also explain the key factors that influence a graphic designer’s salary in Virginia, like location, industry, education level, and more.
So let’s dive in and find out the details on the graphic designer salary in Virginia!
Average Graphic Designer Salary Virginia
According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average graphic designer salary in Virginia is $56,000 per year.
Of course, that is just a statewide average number. Some graphic designers in Virginia make less than $56,000, while others make significantly more.
For example, the lowest 10% of graphic designers in Virginia make around $32,000 per year on average. But the highest 10% earn over $90,000 per year!
So as you can see, there is a very wide range when it comes to the graphic designer salary in Virginia. An individual’s pay depends on several important factors, which we’ll cover next.
Factors Impacting Graphic Design Salaries Virginia
While the average is $56,000, a graphic designer’s actual salary in Virginia can vary quite a bit depending on:
1. Amount of experience
2. City/region
3. Industry
4. Education level
Let’s look closer at each of these factors and how they influence pay for graphic designers in Virginia.
Experience Level
Like most careers, graphic designers in Virginia tend to earn higher salaries as they gain more experience over time.
Entry-level graphic designers (0-3 years of experience) in Virginia make around $40,000 per year on average to start. This is on the low end of the pay scale.
After 5-10 years of experience, graphic designers can expect to earn $50,000 to $70,000 per year in Virginia typically.
And senior-level graphic designers in Virginia with over 10 years under their belt can command salaries of $70,000 to $95,000 per year in many cases.
So experience really pays off for graphic designers in the state when it comes to earning potential over the long run.
City/Region
Where in Virginia you live and work as a graphic designer also affects your salary. Salaries tend to be higher in major cities and metro areas compared to rural parts of the state.
For example, graphic designers in the Washington D.C. metro area of Northern Virginia earn an average of $64,000 per year.
But in Richmond, the average is $52,000. And in smaller cities like Roanoke, it’s just $47,000 on average for graphic designers.
This variation stems from differences in costs of living and demand for graphic design talent across Virginia’s different regions and job markets.
Industry
The type of industry and company also impacts a graphic designer’s pay in Virginia. Some of the top paying industries include:
- Advertising and marketing agencies
- Computer systems design firms
- Specialized design services companies
- Video game development studios
In these industries, it’s common for graphic designers in Virginia to earn $60,000 to $80,000 or higher per year even without decades of experience.
On the lower end of the pay scale are industries like publishing, education, and some non-profits, where graphic designers may only make $40,000 to $50,000 annually.
Education Level
While you can become a graphic designer without a 4-year college degree, earning one can give your salary a boost in Virginia.
Graphic designers with a bachelor’s degree in their field earn around $58,000 per year on average in Virginia, based on the data.
Those with just an associate’s degree make roughly $48,000 per year. And graphic designers with only a high school education earn around $42,000 annually.
So a bachelor’s degree can increase your graphic design salary by $10,000 to $15,000 per year compared to just a high school diploma in many cases.
Salaries for Junior, Mid-Level, and Senior Graphic Designers
To sum it up, here are some typical salary ranges for graphic designers at different experience levels across Virginia:
Entry-Level/Junior (0-3 years experience)
- Northern VA/DC Metro: $45,000 – $55,000
- Richmond: $38,000 – $48,000
- Roanoke: $35,000 – $45,000
Mid-Level (4-9 years experience):
- Northern VA/DC Metro: $55,000 – $75,000
- Richmond: $50,000 – $65,000
- Roanoke: $45,000 – $60,000
Senior-Level (10+ years experience)
- Northern VA/DC Metro: $70,000 – $100,000
- Richmond: $60,000 – $85,000
- Roanoke: $55,000 – $75,000
Again, these are just general ranges. Top graphic designers can exceed the high ends of these ranges, especially if working for major corporations, ad agencies, or tech firms.
How to Increase Your Graphic Designer Salary in Virginia
If you want to maximize your earning potential as a graphic designer in Virginia, here are some tips:
- Gain as much hands-on experience as possible, even via internships
- Develop specialized skills in high-demand areas like UI/UX design, motion graphics, etc.
- Consider getting certified in design software like Adobe Creative Cloud
- Build an outstanding portfolio showcasing your best creative work
- Earn a bachelor’s degree related to graphic design
- Be willing to relocate to a higher-paying city like Northern Virginia
- Stay up-to-date on the latest design trends, technology, and best practices
By leveling up your skills, experience, and education over time, you can increase your value and earning power as a graphic designer in Virginia’s job market.
The Bottom Line on Graphic Designer Salaries in Virginia
While average pay may be $56,000, there is plenty of opportunity to make significantly more as a graphic designer in Virginia by following the right career path.
Ultimately, your salary will depend on how you position yourself and market your talents in Virginia’s competitive job market for design professionals.
