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How much do graphic artists make a year? In this article we’ll outline some stats and figures on the average salary of a graphic artists.  There are several key areas to examine when choosing a graphic artist career and there is no doubt that graphic artist salary figures are a great place to start career considerations. Beyond salary considerations keep in mind other key areas of consideration. Those areas will be how much you love the work, company size, company culture, and benefits offered.

Since graphic artist salary range could be a determining factor as to whether or not you want to pursue a career as a graphic artist at all, it is a great place to start the examination. According to Salary.com, the salary range for graphic artists in a major metropolitan area such as New York, New York is currently $39,700 to $73,600. The median salary is $56,200. Of course, salary determinations stem from the size of the company offering the salary, experience of the applicant, and depth of the applicant pool. At present there is a shortage of graphic artists and that should move starting pay up the pay scale somewhat.

If the pay range is within your comfort zone and drives you forward to purse graphic design work, then you should move into analyzing the size of prospective companies. Some will prefer large companies with a vast amount of work. Mid-range companies many times settle into a particular niche that may be highly stimulating to you. Small companies may have smaller work projects, but you may be given a broader responsibility range on projects early on in your career. Make wise choices in line with your personality.

Finding a company with a strong culture and value system that matches your own cultural expectations and values is extremely important. If a company’s culture is hard driving and win at all costs, it may turn you off. Likewise, if you are a hard driving individual, you may not be comfortable in a culture or atmosphere that is laid back and leisurely. Again, you must find your comfort level to be happy.

The dollar numbers in a graphic artist salary does not represent the whole story. Seek out what benefits are offered along with the salary. Check for the existence of any bonus structure. Good health and dental benefits are worth their weight in gold nowadays. Look into the type of retirement options are offered by the companies you are interested in. There are even more benefits to check for such as: work-at-home; virtual office; or job sharing options.

Considering a graphic artist career is a great choice. By all means look at salary numbers first and last. However, take the time to gather a complete picture of everything you want in an employment package. Money is great, but so are other important elements such as your personal happiness and love for the work, fitting in well with the company culture, and enjoying additional fringe benefits that only enhance the salary that you negotiate. Go ahead and think big money and then think even broader to all the important elements.

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