Graphic designers are a vital part of digital advertising, and the best companies for graphic designers use their valuable skills to increase their digital presence and create brand awareness. Creating visually appealing designs has proven to be an effective strategy in both online and traditional marketing in this advertising age.
If you are a professional graphic designer looking for a career change, you should consider applying to the highest-paying graphic designer companies. In this guide, we will discuss these companies in detail, disclose their salaries, and explore whether or not each company is worthwhile based on employee reviews.
What Is a Graphic Designer?
Graphic designers, or graphic artists, create and design digital materials. These could be images, digital marketing materials, print materials, book design, or web page layouts. They use design software and apply graphic design techniques to create decorative effects and design elements.
Graphic designers are highly independent and often work as freelancers. If a graphic designer works within a graphic design company, they are often part of a design team that works on projects for the biggest clients. Designers with advanced skills and work experience can earn supervisory positions or become art directors.
How to Get a Graphic Design Job
To be a graphic designer, you need to have the appropriate skills, qualifications, and creativity. There are five standard steps to becoming a professional graphic designer. Below is an explanation of each of these steps.
- Get a bachelor’s degree. A degree in graphic design or fine arts will provide the knowledge you need to become a professional graphic designer. Find a school accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design to study digital design.
- Enroll in a bootcamp. Even if you have a bachelor’s degree, you can improve your resume and credentials by enrolling in a bootcamp and earning a certificate. You can enroll in advanced web design courses or learn specific design software.
- Enroll in short design courses. Basic art and design certificate courses are ideal for those with a high school degree who wish to become graphic designers. Some bachelor’s degree programs require students to take short courses before enrollment in their degree programs.
- Apply for an internship. Apply for an internship in graphic design agencies or other companies that give you a creative workload. Companies prefer to hire employees with internship experience because it means they have hands-on experience with design processes from concept to completion.
- Secure licenses and certifications. You can earn certifications from product software vendors. Having a license or specific software certification shows competence, giving you an advantage over other job applicants.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Graphic Design Companies
| Company | Salary for {Professions} |
|---|---|
| Microsoft | $84,000 |
| Airbnb | $79,288 |
| Adobe Systems, Inc. | $70,262 |
| IKEA | $68,000 |
| Cisco Systems, Inc. | $64,428 |
| Intel Corporation | $63,052 |
| Amazon | $62,500 |
| The Home Depot | $59,981 |
| Saatchi & Saatchi | $58,715 |
| Apple, Inc. | $55,000 |
Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is a technology company that produces consumer electronics and computer software. Microsoft is well-known for products such as Windows and Xbox, ranked as one of the top three global brands in terms of valuation
What Does Microsoft Pay Its Graphic Designers?
The average annual salary of graphic designers at Microsoft is $84,000. Art directors, creative directors, or other mid-career professionals earn closer to $107,000, with the addition of benefits and bonuses.
Microsoft Reviews
Based on reviews on Indeed, Microsoft has an overall review score of four out of five stars. The company’s highest-scoring categories include its compensation and benefits, as well as its culture. Job security and advancement, however, scored lower.
Airbnb
Founded in 2008, AirBnb, Inc. is headquartered in San Francisco, California It is an online platform that serves as a marketplace for travel information and booking services. Airbnb offers lodging, home-stay, and tourism services via websites and mobile applications with a global clientele.
What Does Airbnb Pay Its Graphic Designers?
The average annual salary of graphic designers in Airbnb is $79,288. The estimated annual salary range is between $60,000 and $102,000. Their benefits include group health care coverage and group life insurance. They also offer generous pension and welfare benefits.
Airbnb Reviews
Airbnb scores fairly well among employees with a four out of five-star overall rating. The company received its best reviews on its work-life balance and company culture. However, Airbnb does not appear to be very highly regarded in terms of job advancement opportunities.
Adobe Systems, Inc.
Adobe Systems, Inc. is an American multinational company specializing in computer software and digital products for the creation and publication of content. They have a global team of graphic designers, program managers, researchers, and prototypers.
What Does Adobe Systems, Inc. Pay Its Graphic Designers?
Adobe hires graphic design specialists who receive an average annual salary of $70,262. The estimated pay range is between $52,000 to $97,000 annually, depending on the level of experience and work arrangements.
Adobe Systems, Inc. Reviews
Employee reviews describe Adobe Systems, Inc. as a great workplace with friendly colleagues and an inclusive environment. Although they sometimes have long work hours, they provide decent pay with benefits and opportunities for career advancement.
IKEA
IKEA is a multinational conglomerate that focuses on designing and selling home furnishings and kitchen appliances. There are 422 stores in 50 countries and have 225,000 IKEA employees worldwide.
What Does IKEA Pay Its Graphic Designers?
IKEA hires graphic designers who receive an average annual salary of $70,262. The estimated pay range is between $52,000 to $97,000 annually, depending on the level of experience and work arrangements.
IKEA Reviews
According to employee reviews, the IKEA work environment does not discriminate. The company culture promotes togetherness where employees work as a team. Although work can be stressful because it is mainly customer-centered, it is a great place to learn new things every day.
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Cisco is a multinational corporation that develops and sells software, networking hardware, telecom equipment, and other high-tech products. The company hires designers to actively participate in the design process and help shape products and user experiences.
What Does Cisco Systems, Inc. Pay Its Graphic Designers?
Cisco Systems pays its graphic designers $64,428 as a median annual wage. The pay range is from $46,000 to $89,000, depending on the employee’s skills, job title, and range of experience. Employees at Cisco are given comprehensive health insurance, profit-sharing, and a defined contribution pension plan.
Cisco Systems, Inc. Reviews
Cisco employee reviews state that the company has a very healthy work culture. They provide numerous opportunities to develop technical skills. Employees typically work long hours in a fast-paced environment.
Intel Corporation
Intel is an American multinational corporation located in Silicon Valley, and is the world’s largest manufacturer of semiconductor chips. They have 121,100 employees serving customers worldwide. Intel is the leading supplier of microprocessors for computer system giants such as Acer, HP, Dell, and Lenovo.
What Does Intel Corporation Pay Its Graphic Designers?
The average annual salary of graphic designers at Intel is $63,052. The pay range is from $45,000 to $90,000, depending on the job type and range of experience. Senior positions are open, including senior level and layout designers, with an average salary of $138,149.
Intel Corporation Reviews
Employee reviews commend Intel for its generous employee benefits and excellent work culture. They foster personal growth and promote continuous learning by providing multiple training options. Some employees complain of politics within the organization and long work hours, but the company continues to regulate and improve critical internal issues.
Amazon
Amazon is an American multinational ecommerce company that also offers digital streaming, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. In 2020, the company employed 1,289,000 full-time and part-time employees and had $386 billion in net revenues.
What Does Amazon Pay Its Graphic Designers?
Amazon pays its graphic designers $62,500 as a median annual wage. Employee benefits include health insurance, life insurance, and temporary and long-term disability insurance.
Amazon Reviews
Employees say that life at Amazon is fast-paced and competitive, but in a fun and challenging way that is not stressful. The workload is well-distributed among employees, creating a good work-life balance.
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The Home Depot
The Home Depot Inc. is a home improvement retailer with headquarters in Cobb County, Georgia. It’s the biggest and most popular home improvement and building-material retailer in the US. Its vast operations require several design jobs including graphic, instructional, kitchen, and UX designers.
What Does The Home Depot Pay Its Graphic Designers?
The average annual salary of graphic designers at The Home Depot is $59,981. Its employee benefits include paid holidays, a 401k, profit-sharing, and a defined contribution pension plan.
The Home Depot Reviews
Employee reviews say that the work is challenging but rewarding. Despite the physical demands and long work hours, the company’s appreciation for hard work and monetary compensation is well worth it.
Saatchi & Saatchi
Founded by brothers Charles and Maurice Saatchi in 1970, Saatchi & Saatchi is a marketing agency and communications services company. Conducting its operations internationally, the company is one of the world’s most renowned advertising agencies. It offers electronic media, print design, search engine optimization, and corporate branding for advertising customers such as Toyota and Procter & Gamble.
What Does Saatchi & Saatchi Pay Its Graphic Designers?
The average annual salary of graphic designers at Saatchi & Saatchi is $58,715. The estimated annual salary range is between $45,000 and $76,000. They also hire junior graphic designers for $41,413 annually, while the art director position earns $62,324.
Saatchi & Saatchi Reviews
Based on employee reviews on Indeed, Saatchi and Saatchi has an overall review score of four out of five stars. Its highest scoring categories include company culture and compensation, while its lowest-scoring categories include job security and advancement.
Apple, Inc.
Founded in 1976, Apple Computer Company developed into Apple Inc., a globally celebrated company that is involved in product design, manufacturing, and marketing of personal computers, tablets, smartphones, and accessories. It also offers a range of services related to its physical products, such as app design.
What Does Apple, Inc. Pay Its Graphic Designers?
The average annual salary of graphic designers at Apple is $55,000. If a graphic designer improves their art direction skills and is promoted to an art director role, their annual salary can increase to $97,307, while the senior art director can receive as much as $137,304. It also hires layout artists, UX designers, and digital producers.
Apple, Inc. Reviews
Based on Apple employee reviews on Indeed, Apple has an overall review score of four out of five stars. The company scores the highest in culture, compensation, and benefits. However, it scores a bit lower in terms of work-life balance, job security, and advancement.
Why You Should Become a Graphic Designer in 2023
There are a lot of opportunities for graphic artists in 2023, and the job outlook for graphic designers is generally stable at three percent between 2020 and 2030. Whether you have a bachelor’s degree or not, you can improve your chances of getting hired by enrolling in a graphic design bootcamp.
Due to the tough competition in this profession, the median pay for graphic designers is only $53,380. This salary may not be as high as other IT-related jobs, but the income opportunities for graphic designers are promising.
Best Companies for Graphic Designers FAQ
The highest salary of a graphic designer is $84,000. Those earning more than this are usually graphic designers promoted to higher positions, such as an art director role.
The top employer of graphic designers is the specialized design services industry, employing nearly 18 percent of graphic designers. The other top hiring industries include advertising, printing, publishing, and design consultancy.
Graphic designers get rich by holding a job in a high-paying creative agency with growth opportunities. Some choose to go the freelance route to offer visual design, packaging design, and product design services. On the other hand, some establish their own graphic design firm or graphic design studio.
Yes, it is hard to get a job in a graphic design studio or a graphic design company, mainly because of the competition. It is especially hard if you’re a beginner-level designer. Taking short courses and doing practice projects will help hone your skills to increase your chances of getting a job as a graphic designer.
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