Computer Programmers vs Graphic Designers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $37,370 more per year than Graphic Designers professionals — that's 61.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $103,030 for Graphic Designers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Graphic Designers$37,600 – $103,030
$37,600$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Programmers | Graphic Designers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,190 | $37,600 | +$14,590 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,860 | $47,200 | +$24,660 |
| Median (50th) | $98,670 | $61,300 | +$37,370 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,960 | $79,000 | +$49,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,090 | $103,030 | +$59,060 |
| Mean (Average) | $103,640 | $68,610 | +$35,030 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Graphic Designers
214,260
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
Best Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $98,530 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $89,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $82,630 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $82,360 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $78,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Programmers or Graphic Designers?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $37,370 (61.0% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
What is the salary range for Graphic Designers?
Graphic Designers salaries range from $37,600 (10th percentile) to $103,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,300.
How many Computer Programmers and Graphic Designers jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and 214,260 Graphic Designers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Graphic Designers to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Graphic Designers earns $61,300. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS