Graphic Designers vs Human Resources Managers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Human Resources Managers professionals earn $78,730 more per year than Graphic Designers professionals — that's 128.4% higher.
Salary Range Comparison
Graphic Designers$37,600 – $103,030
Human Resources Managers$83,790 – N/A
$37,600$103,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Graphic Designers | Human Resources Managers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $37,600 | $83,790 | $-46,190 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,200 | $105,590 | $-58,390 |
| Median (50th) | $61,300 | $140,030 | $-78,730 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,000 | $189,960 | $-110,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $103,030 | N/A | N/A |
| Mean (Average) | $68,610 | $160,480 | $-91,870 |
Employment Numbers
Graphic Designers
214,260
employed nationwide
Human Resources Managers
215,520
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
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 |
Best Cities for Human Resources Managers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $176,290 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $172,970 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $161,970 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $155,390 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $147,070 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Graphic Designers or Human Resources Managers?
Human Resources Managers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $78,730 (128.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
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.
What is the salary range for Human Resources Managers?
Human Resources Managers salaries range from $83,790 (10th percentile) to N/A (90th percentile), with a median of $140,030.
How many Graphic Designers and Human Resources Managers jobs are there?
There are approximately 214,260 Graphic Designers positions and 215,520 Human Resources Managers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Human Resources Managers to Graphic Designers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Graphic Designers has a median salary of $61,300 while Human Resources Managers earns $140,030. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS