Marketing & Creative
A graphic designer creates visual materials such as brochures, social graphics, presentations, packaging and web assets that communicate a message and reflect a brand. The role turns briefs and brand guidelines into finished files ready for print or digital use.
Median pay
$62,960a year
Graphic designers, U.S. BLS, May 2025
The role
Companies typically hire one when design requests pile up, when outside agency costs are rising, or when brand materials look inconsistent across departments.
Typical responsibilities
Core skills
Tools and systems
Related titles
Typical background
Typically 2 to 6 years of design experience with a portfolio, and a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field.
At a glance
The essentials for planning the hire: level, background, how you can hire and what the role typically pays.
Request talent
Share a few details and a marketing and creative recruiter will be in touch. There is no obligation and no cost to talk.
What happens next
Request talent
Takes about two minutes. A specialist recruiter will call you back within one business day.
By submitting, you agree that RUS Recruiting may contact you about this request. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Send your resume once and a marketing and creative recruiter will match you to graphic designer roles that fit your experience, pay expectations and the way you want to work. We only put you forward for roles you have said yes to, and it is always free.
FAQ
Straight answers to the questions employers and candidates ask about this role.
Still have a question?
Talk to a recruiter about your role or your search. We reply within one business day.
A graphic designer creates visual materials such as brochures, social graphics, presentations, packaging and web assets that communicate a message and reflect a brand. The role turns briefs and brand guidelines into finished files ready for print or digital use. Typical responsibilities include: design marketing collateral, social graphics and presentations; apply brand guidelines consistently across print and digital assets; prepare final files with correct sizes, color modes and bleeds.
Look for layout and typography, brand consistency, color theory, print production, visual communication and time management. Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Figma and Canva is common in this role.
Yes. A graphic designer is one of the roles employers most often hire on contract, for projects, busy periods, leave cover and vacancies. Contract-to-hire is also an option if you want to work together before making a permanent offer.
A graphic designer produces brand, print and marketing visuals. A UI designer designs the screens and interface elements of websites and apps, usually working with product teams. If you need brochures, social posts and decks, hire a graphic designer. If you are building software, hire a UI designer.
Look for range, attention to typography and layout, and evidence of working within a brand system. Strong portfolios explain the brief and the designer’s role in each project. Ask about turnaround, file preparation and how the candidate handles feedback from several stakeholders.
Related roles
Every role in the practice is recruited by the same specialist team.
