Graphic Designer vs UX Designer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Graphic Designer
Create visual concepts for print and digital media.
UX Designer
Design intuitive user experiences through research and prototyping.
UX Designer earns more on average — the national median is $46,000/year (79%) higher than a Graphic Designer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Graphic Designer vs UX Designer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Graphic Designer | UX Designer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $83,954 | $151,252 | Graphic $67,298 |
| New York, NY | $70,892 | $122,423 | Graphic $51,531 |
| Seattle, WA | $81,188 | $150,553 | Graphic $69,365 |
| Austin, TX | $64,254 | $117,269 | Graphic $53,015 |
| Chicago, IL | $60,729 | $112,927 | Graphic $52,198 |
| Boston, MA | $74,091 | $131,883 | Graphic $57,792 |
| London, UK | £45,312 | £82,676 | Graphic $37,364 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$75,763 | CA$137,578 | Graphic $61,815 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Graphic Designer or UX Designer earn more?+
A UX Designer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Graphic Designer is $58,000/year, compared to $104,000/year for a UX Designer — a difference of $46,000 (79%).
Which has better career growth — Graphic Designer or UX Designer?+
Graphic Designer roles are growing at 3% YoY while UX Designer demand is growing at 20% YoY. UX Designer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Graphic Designer to UX Designer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in adjacent fields. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Graphic Designer or UX Designer?+
UX Designer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 58%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.