Ever wondered what graphic designers really make? It's not all just cool projects and creative freedom. Money matters too, right? We get it. This week, we're breaking it all down. It's not as simple as one number, is it?

Think about it. A designer at a big agency? Totally different than a freelancer at home. We're looking at both paths: employed designers and freelance pros. We'll talk about steady paychecks for company gigs. And how those hourly freelance rates are calculated.

We’re going over national averages. But that’s just a starting point, isn’t it? We need to get specific! We’re talking experience. Entry-level versus seasoned vet. How much does experience bump up your salary?

Location matters big time. Think about New York City compared to, say, the Midwest. Does your salary go as far? We’ll break down the Northeast, West Coast, Midwest, and South.

We even zoom in to a state-by-state level. California and its tech hubs? Big bucks, right? What about Texas or Illinois? Plus, you will hear about major city salaries. San Francisco and New York? We’ll let you know what is going on there.

Are you curious about freelance rates? We get into hourly rates. Or should you charge by project? Simple logos versus a full branding campaign? We've got answers. We’ll even cover what impacts freelance rates. Experience? Specialization? Your clients can make a difference too.

So, what should you take away from all this? We'll give you the key points. We’ll talk about how to use online salary tools. This will help your research.

Ultimately, your path is unique. This podcast gives you the knowledge. So you can plan your journey. Ready to get paid what you’re worth? Give it a listen.

Feel free to read the full article at WE AND THE COLOR to learn more about it: https://weandthecolor.com/your-guide-graphic-design-salaries-usa/194449