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 change, you should consider applying to a top graphic design company—whether it’s an established brand or an independent design firm. These companies are known for their cutting-edge, forward-thinking approaches and for pushing creative boundaries. As a creative, it would be in your best interest to pursue opportunities with transformative brands leading the industry with innovative and creative ideas.
In this guide, we will discuss some of 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, have a creative vision. They are tasked with creating and designing digital materials that steward a brand or brand campaign’s visual identity. These could be images, digital marketing materials, logo designs, social media graphics, print designs, book designs, or web design layouts. They use digital design software and apply graphic design techniques to create decorative effects and visual elements.
Graphic designers are highly independent, sometimes working exclusively as freelancers or contractors. If a graphic designer works within a graphic design company, they are often part of a creative team that works on design projects for clients. Designers with advanced skills and an impressive portfolio 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 four 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.1
- 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 like 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.
Graphic Design Companies to Explore in 2025
These companies represent major brands and established brands known for their strong brand identities and significant influence in the graphic design industry.
| Company | Median Annual Pay for Graphic Design Services |
|---|---|
| Microsoft | $83,000 |
| Airbnb | $89,000 |
| Adobe Systems, Inc. | $74,000 |
| IKEA | $67,869 |
| Intel Corporation | $64,258 |
| Amazon | $70,000 |
| Saatchi & Saatchi | $62,639 |
| Apple, Inc. | $108,000 |
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 and was ranked among the top three most valuable global brands in 2024, according to Kantar.10
What Does Microsoft Pay its Graphic Designers?
The average annual salary of graphic designers at Microsoft in September of 2025 is $83,000, according to Glassdoor.2 Art directors, creative directors, or other mid-career professionals earn closer to a six-figure salary with the addition of benefits and bonuses.
Microsoft Reviews
Based on reviews on Indeed, Microsoft has an overall review score of 4.2 out of five stars.11 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. This 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 at Airbnb is $89,000 as of September 2025, according to Glassdoor.3 They offer a generous benefits package, including subsidized healthcare, a flexible work environment, personal development opportunities, and more.12
Airbnb Reviews
Airbnb scores fairly well among employees with a 4.2 out of five stars overall rating.13 The company received its best reviews on its work-life balance and company culture. However, Airbnb does not appear to be as highly regarded in terms of job security and advancement.
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. Adobe’s tools are widely used by creative professionals around the world for logo design, packaging design, and more. 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 a median annual salary of $74,000 in September 2025, according to Glassdoor.4 The pay range depends on the level of graphic design experience and creative talent.
Adobe Systems, Inc. Reviews
Employee reviews describe Adobe Systems, Inc. as a great workplace with great pay and benefits, along with an inclusive work environment.14
IKEA
IKEA is a multinational conglomerate that focuses on designing and selling home furnishings and kitchen appliances. The company is recognized for its innovative product packaging and packaging solutions that enhance the customer experience. There are 487 IKEA stores in 63 markets worldwide, as of July 2025.15
What Does IKEA Pay Its Graphic Designers?
IKEA hires graphic designers who receive an average annual salary of $67,869, as of September 2025.5 The pay range is heavily dependent on the level of experience, work arrangements, and drive to innovate and move the furniture design world forward.
IKEA Reviews
Employees review the IKEA work environment—overall ratings are lower than the previous companies listed, with a 3.7 out of five stars, but the company culture promotes togetherness, where employees work as a team.16 Although work may be stressful, it can be a great place to learn new things every day.
Intel Corporation
Intel is an American multinational corporation located in Silicon Valley and is the world’s largest manufacturer of semiconductor chips. The company 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 $64,258, as of September 2025.6
Intel Corporation Reviews
Employee reviews commend Intel for its generous employee benefits and excellent work-life balance.17 The company scored lower on Indeed for job security and management.
Amazon
Amazon is an American multinational e-commerce company that also offers digital streaming, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Amazon posted total “net income of $20 billion,” according to Investopedia.18
What Does Amazon Pay Its Graphic Designers?
Amazon pays its graphic designers a median wage of $70,000, as of September 2025.7 Employee benefits include health insurance, life insurance, and temporary and long-term disability insurance.
Amazon Reviews
Employees gave working at Amazon a lower rating of 3.5 out of five stars.19 Although the pay and benefits are good, the company’s job security and management underperformed.
Saatchi & Saatchi
Founded by brothers Charles and Maurice Saatchi in 1970, Saatchi & Saatchi is a marketing agency and communications services company that has made a lasting impression over the years. Conducting its operations internationally, the company is one of the world’s most iconic advertising agencies.20 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?
In September 2025, the average annual salary of graphic designers at Saatchi & Saatchi is $62,639, while the creative director position earns $145,000.8,21
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Saatchi & Saatchi Reviews
Based on employee reviews on Indeed, Saatchi & Saatchi has an overall review score of 4.1 out of five stars.22 Its highest-scoring categories include company culture, compensation, and work-life balance, while its lowest-scoring category includes management.
Apple, Inc.
Founded in 1976, Apple Computer Company developed into Apple Inc., a globally celebrated brand identity and company that is involved in product design, manufacturing, and marketing of personal computers, tablets, smartphones, and accessories. Apple has helped create and shape some of the most innovative designs and technologies in history.
What Does Apple, Inc. Pay Its Graphic Designers?
The average annual salary of graphic designers at Apple is $108,000.9 If a graphic designer improves their art direction skills and is promoted to an art director role, their annual salary range can increase to $142,000-$206,000, while the senior art director can receive as much as $262,000 per year.23,24 The company 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 4.1 out of five stars.25 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 2025
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for graphic designers is generally stable, continuing at 2 percent through 2034.26 Due to the tough competition in this profession and increasing use of artificial intelligence in the creative industry, the median annual pay for graphic designers was roughly $61,300 in 2024, according to BLS.27 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
It’s hard to say, as some graphic designers work exclusively for themselves and, therefore, set their own rate. However, one of the highest salaries on our list is at Apple Inc., with graphic designers making a median annual wage of 108,000.9 Those earning more than this in the traditional workplace are usually graphic designers promoted to higher positions, such as an art director role.
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 for graphic design roles. When considering potential employers or agencies, review feedback and testimonials from previous clients to assess their reputation and reliability.
Sources:
1 https://nasad.arts-accredit.org/
2 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Microsoft-Graphic-Design-Salaries-E1651_D_KO10,24.htm
3 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Airbnb-graphic-designer-Salaries-E391850_D_KO7,23.htm
4 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Adobe-Graphic-Designer-Salaries-E1090_D_KO6,22.htm
5 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/IKEA-Graphic-Designer-Salaries-E3957_D_KO5,21.htm
6 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Intel-Corporation-Graphic-Designer-Salaries-E1519_D_KO18,34.htm
7 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Amazon-Graphic-Designer-Salaries-E6036_D_KO7,23.htm
11 https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Microsoft/reviews
12 https://careers.airbnb.com/life-at-airbnb/
13 https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Airbnb/reviews
14 https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Adobe/reviews
15 https://www.ikea.com/global/en/our-business/how-we-work/
16 https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Ikea/reviews
18 https://www.investopedia.com/how-amazon-makes-money-4587523#:~:text=Amazon’s%20Financials,1
19 https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Amazon.com/reviews
22 https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Saatchi-&-Saatchi/reviews
23 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Apple-Art-Director-Salaries-E1138_D_KO6,18.htm
24 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Apple-Senior-Art-Director-Salaries-E1138_D_KO6,25.htm
25 https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Apple/reviews
26 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm#tab-6
27 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm#tab-1
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