Side-by-side compensation comparison across national and state-level data.
UX / Product Designers out-earn Graphic Designers by $45,200 (41%) on median.
Percentiles for 2026. Higher percentile values reflect senior/specialized roles.
| Percentile | Graphic Designer | UX / Product Designer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th | $47,300 | $79,800 | $32,500 |
| Median (50th) | $65,100 | $110,300 | $45,200 |
| 75th | $86,200 | $145,000 | $58,800 |
| 90th (top earners) | $110,300 | $183,900 | $73,600 |
Which job wins in each state (based on median annual salary).
| State | Graphic Designer | UX / Product Designer | Higher Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $86,000 | $160,000 | UX / Product Designer |
| Texas | $70,300 | $119,100 | UX / Product Designer |
| Florida | $66,400 | $112,500 | UX / Product Designer |
| New York | $84,700 | $145,600 | UX / Product Designer |
| Pennsylvania | $67,700 | $114,700 | UX / Product Designer |
| Illinois | $71,000 | $120,200 | UX / Product Designer |
| Ohio | $60,600 | $102,600 | UX / Product Designer |
| Georgia | $67,100 | $113,600 | UX / Product Designer |
| North Carolina | $64,500 | $109,200 | UX / Product Designer |
| Michigan | $62,500 | $105,900 | UX / Product Designer |
| New Jersey | $82,100 | $139,000 | UX / Product Designer |
| Virginia | $73,600 | $124,700 | UX / Product Designer |
| Washington | $84,700 | $148,900 | UX / Product Designer |
| Arizona | $65,800 | $111,400 | UX / Product Designer |
| Massachusetts | $76,900 | $143,400 | UX / Product Designer |
Generative AI tools compressing entry-level pay. Senior brand designers still well-paid.
Designs user interfaces, runs research, prototypes flows. Senior PDs earn close to PMs.
Nationally, UX / Product Designers out-earn Graphic Designers by approximately $45,200 per year (41% difference). However, this varies by state, experience level, and specific employer.
Both fields have positive 2026 growth outlooks. Graphic Designers are projected at +2.5% YoY wage growth, while UX / Product Designers are at +2.5%. Beyond wage growth, consider opportunity density (job openings) and your geographic flexibility.
Graphic Designer typically requires: Generative AI tools compressing entry-level pay. Senior brand designers still well-paid.. UX / Product Designer typically requires: Designs user interfaces, runs research, prototypes flows. Senior PDs earn close to PMs.. Compare the formal requirements against your existing skills and education to assess the switching cost.
Salary is one input among many. Job satisfaction, skills transferability, geographic fit, and long-term ceiling matter as much as median pay. Use this as a benchmark, then dig into job descriptions and talk to people in both fields before deciding.