Graphic Designer vs Video Editor: 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.
Video Editor
Edit raw footage into polished videos for commercial, social, or broadcast use.
Graphic Designer earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a Video Editor. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Graphic Designer vs Video Editor — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Graphic Designer | Video Editor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $83,954 | $85,813 | Graphic $1,859 |
| New York, NY | $70,892 | $68,304 | Graphic +$2,588 |
| Seattle, WA | $81,188 | $82,636 | Graphic $1,448 |
| Austin, TX | $64,254 | $64,579 | Graphic $325 |
| Chicago, IL | $60,729 | $63,192 | Graphic $2,463 |
| Boston, MA | $74,091 | $77,081 | Graphic $2,990 |
| London, UK | £45,312 | £46,033 | Graphic $721 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$75,763 | CA$76,631 | Graphic $868 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Graphic Designer or Video Editor earn more?+
A Graphic Designer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Graphic Designer is $58,000/year, compared to $58,000/year for a Video Editor — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Graphic Designer or Video Editor?+
Graphic Designer roles are growing at 3% YoY while Video Editor demand is growing at 12% YoY. Video Editor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Graphic Designer to Video Editor?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Graphic Designer or Video Editor?+
Video Editor has a lower AI automation risk (55% vs 58%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.