Graphic Designers vs Web Developers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Web Developers professionals earn $29,630 more per year than Graphic Designers professionals — that's 48.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Graphic Designers earns $103,030 compared to $162,870 for Web Developers.
Salary Range Comparison
Graphic Designers$37,600 – $103,030
Web Developers$48,560 – $162,870
$37,600$162,870
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Graphic Designers | Web Developers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $37,600 | $48,560 | $-10,960 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,200 | $63,140 | $-15,940 |
| Median (50th) | $61,300 | $90,930 | $-29,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,000 | $124,300 | $-45,300 |
| 90th Percentile | $103,030 | $162,870 | $-59,840 |
| Mean (Average) | $68,610 | $98,790 | $-30,180 |
Employment Numbers
Graphic Designers
214,260
employed nationwide
Web Developers
78,860
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 Web Developers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $161,750 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $157,490 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $126,040 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $120,750 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $117,560 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Graphic Designers or Web Developers?
Web Developers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $29,630 (48.3% 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 Web Developers?
Web Developers salaries range from $48,560 (10th percentile) to $162,870 (90th percentile), with a median of $90,930.
How many Graphic Designers and Web Developers jobs are there?
There are approximately 214,260 Graphic Designers positions and 78,860 Web Developers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Web Developers to Graphic Designers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Graphic Designers has a median salary of $61,300 while Web Developers earns $90,930. 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