Advertising Salary Survey 2007

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AIGA | AQUENT
Survey of Design Salaries
2007
introduction
Letter from the executive director 1
Research methodology 3
Characteristics of survey respondents 4
Median total cash compensation 2000 – 2007 6
2007 Compensation
Compensation overview 9
Solo designer 10
Owner, Partner, Principal 12
Creative/Design director 14
Art director 16
Senior designer 18
Designer 20
Entry-level designer 22
Print production artist 24
other positions
Web designer 27
Copywriter 28
Print production manager 29
Marketing/New business manager or director 30
Web developer (front end/interface systems) 31
Web programmer/Developer (back end systems) 32
Web/Senior/Executive producer 33
Content developer 34
2007 Benefits
Time off 36
Medical and dental insurance 37
Insurance 38
Retirement 39
Financial benefits and family care 40
Personal development and health 41
Transportation and mobility 42
Resources 43
About AIGA | Aquent 44
The 2007 AIGA | Aquent Survey of
Design Salaries provides the most
complete compensation data available
on communication design professionals
in the United States. The results show
that salaries are solid and consistent.
Still, while many designers around the
country tell us they are as busy as they
have ever been, clients demand the
same quality of work on much tighter
budgets than in previous years.
Letter from the executive director
As we listen carefully to the interests and The results of this year’s salary survey are
issues of the business community, we find documented here for most communication
a fresh awareness of the value that design design positions. In our overall statistics, there
creates, as evidenced in the business press. are a number of web-related positions that
Yet much of the attention to the role of design we have been monitoring since the late-’90s,
in driving innovation focuses on industrial when web-related roles were discrete from
or product design examples. To gain our traditional design positions. While we have
due recognition and ensure a bright future national data on those position titles, some
for communication design, we must: web-design functions are now an integral part
of other design roles, and therefore those
Communicate the value of design thinking — responses were quantitatively insufficient
the approach communication designers, as to accurately breakdown statistics below
well as other designers, take in addressing the national level.
complex problems with rigor and imagina-
AIGA DESIGN LEADERS CONFIDENCE INDEX
tion to yield unexpected results; and This report is only one of three ways in
which we offer our survey results. On
('(%/0 (')
Develop the skills to move up the value www.designsalaries.com, we posted the
(''
(''%'' 0/%+- 0/%)) 0/%+- chain, in the eyes of the client, to the point results of the survey with some additional
0/
0-%.-
0-
where communication designers advise tables and descriptions of methodology;
0-%-. 0+%.0
0+ on more conceptual, strategic and multi- there is also an interactive version of the
0) dimensional problems. results that allows designers to develop
0'%.* 0' personalized salary profiles.
8GI% ALC% F:K% A8E% 8GI% ALC% F:K% A8E% 8GI% Almost every designer began his or her career
)'', )'', )'', )''- )''- )''- )''- )''. )''.
with a passion for making beautiful objects The survey and the publication of the results
that solve complex problems. This ability on the web would not have been possible with-
Designers like you are the source of our
information on current trends in the to create engaging solutions is critical to out the active involvement of Aquent — a true
design economy. We listen closely and try successful human-centered design. Yet our partner to the design profession, appreciated
to synthesize current conditions to share industry faces increasing downward pressures by AIGA for its perspective, experience,
with the profession as a whole. In 2005, we from those who, while equipped with the commitment and generosity. Aquent has
began to take this process one step further,
conducting a quarterly Design Leaders tools of design, are not adequately trained as consistently taken an enlightened view toward
Confidence Index to allow AIGA to assemble designers. Outsourcing is not yet a significant professional development opportunities for
an authoritative statement on the current problem in the communication design arena, designers, sharing with us the view that it
conditions within the design economy. yet it too can result in decreased salary levels. is in everyone’s interest to see the design
The Design Leaders Confidence Index is profession achieve its greatest potential.
modeled on the confidence indices developed In order to move up the scale of salaries The survey would also not be possible with-
by the Conference Board for private sector reflected in this survey and receive out our collaboration with Communication
corporate leaders. Over time, the index compensation that is consistent with our Arts magazine, which joins AIGA in providing
will help us in advocating the interests of
the design community in Washington and own perceived value, we need the ability access to its subscribers for the survey.
with sponsors. to deal with form, content and the context
in which communications take place over
www.aiga.org /confidence-index time. This is a broader expectation of design-
ers, one that will require developing new Richard Grefé
perspectives and skills. Executive director
| Letter from the executive director

Research methodology
Purpose Surveys were administered via the web

This survey was conducted on behalf of AIGA, where possible (13,055 sample members)
the professional association for design, and and by mail where necessary (3,215 sample
its partners, Aquent and Communication members).
Arts magazine, as part of a comprehensive
program of activities to serve the profes- RESULTS
sional designer by providing sources of Compensation is reported in terms of three
inspiration and strategies for success. statistics: the 25th percentile, the median
(or 50th percentile), and the 75th percentile.
The AIGA Survey of Design Salaries 2007 The 25th percentile represents that value
draws from an extensive pool of designers which is greater than 25% of all values,
and others allied to the profession, and the median that value greater than 50%
includes responses from nearly 5,000 of all values, and so on. Two quantities are
design professionals. reported out: 2006 wages/salary, and 2006
METHODOLOGY
total cash compensation (which includes not

The survey was conducted on AIGA’s behalf only wages and salary but other forms of For a complete explanation of the survey
by Readex Research, an independent cash compensation such as bonuses, profit methodology, please visit the online version
research company in Stillwater, Minnesota. sharing, incentives, and partners’ profits). of the results at www.designsalaries.com.
Non-wage compensation is especially
Method significant in understanding compensation
The survey was administered both by mail for owners/partners/principals. Where
and via the web. An initial sample of 11,000 sufficient data are available, the median
was selected from a pool of lists believed to hourly rate for freelancers in each position
include a large range of design profession- (if employed) is also reported.
als, both print and digital. Sources for lists
included AIGA’s own current and past Compensation data are reported split out by
membership, recent AIGA contacts (from several variables: geographic region (based
conference registrations, inquiries, etc.), on the nine standard U.S. Census divisions),
and domestic subscribers of Communication metropolitan area (24 select Core Based
Arts magazine. These combined lists Statistical Areas), type of organization, size
represented a total of 42,361 unduplicated of organization, and organization’s client
individuals at the time of sample selection. base. Results have been suppressed where
The initial survey sample of 11,000 was fewer than 10 data points and/or 5 cases
selected in systematic stratified fashion to were returned in a given tabulation.
support detailed analysis at the metropolitan
area level.
A second sample of 5,270 was added for

this year’s survey, including unduplicated
emailable individuals from lists of clients
and talent supplied by Aquent.
Research methodology |
Characteristics of survey respondents
All respondents
Type of organization 4,785 Respondents Geographic region 4,785 Respondents

Design studio or consultancy 918 19% New England 376 8%

Advertising agency 446 9% Middle Atlantic 883 18%

Publishing house 200 4% South Atlantic 786 16%

Web development firm 59 1% East North Central 654 14%

In-house design department 1,422 30% East South Central 103 2%
Other 1,723 36% West North Central 310 6%
Size of organization 4,785 Respondents West South Central 293 6%

2–9 employees 913 19% Mountain 288 6%

10–99 employees 1,150 24% Pacific 1,092 23%

100–999 employees 876 18%
1,000+ employees 1,053 22%
Geographic regions
U.S. Census divisions
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| Research methodology
Type of organization
Design studio or consultancy 918 Respondents Web development firm 59 Respondents
New England 8% New England 2%
Middle Atlantic 20% Middle Atlantic 14%
South Atlantic 14% South Atlantic 19%
East North Central 16% East North Central 8%
East South Central 2% East South Central 2%
West North Central 7% West North Central 5%
West South Central 6% West South Central 14%
Mountain 5% Mountain 7%
Pacific 22% Pacific 31%
Advertising agency 446 Respondents In-house design department 1,422 Respondents

Publishing house 200 Respondents Other 1,723 Respondents

Size of organization
2–9 employees 913 Respondents 100–999 employees 876 Respondents
10–99 employees 1,150 Respondents 1,000+ employees 1,053 Respondents

Characteristics of survey respondents |

Median total cash compensation 2000 – 2007
POSITION 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006* 2007 ANN. RATE
Consumer Price Index inflation 2.2% 2.7% 1.4% 2.2% 2.6% 3.4% 3.2%
Solo designer $ 52,000 $ 60,000 $ 56,000 $ 55,000 $ 55,000 $ 60,000 $ 49,000 $ 60,000 2.0%
% change from prior year: 15.4% -6.7% -1.8% 0.0% 9.1% -18.3% 22.4%
Owner, Partner, Principal 100,000 100,000 100,000 93,000 100,000 100,000 80,000 113,000 1.7%
0.0% 0.0% -7.0% 7.5% 0.0% -20.0% 41.3%
Creative/Design director 85,000 84,000 85,000 85,000 85,000 90,000 80,000 98,600 2.1%
-1.2% 1.2% 0.0% 0.0% 5.9% -11.1% 23.3%
Art director 55,000 62,500 62,000 60,000 65,000 65,000 60,900 72,000 3.8%
13.6% -0.8% -3.2% 8.3% 0.0% -6.3% 18.2%
Senior designer 52,300 54,000 53,000 55,000 55,000 56,000 52,000 62,000 2.4%
3.3% -1.9% 3.8% 0.0% 1.8% -7.1% 19.2%
Designer 38,000 40,000 40,000 40,000 41,200 42,500 39,800 45,000 2.4%
5.3% 0.0% 0.0% 3.0% 3.2% -6.4% 13.1%
Entry-level designer 31,000 32,000 30,000 31,000 32,000 33,000 35,000 2.0%
3.2% -6.3% 3.3% 3.2% 3.1% 6.1%
Print production artist 35,000 38,000 40,000 40,000 40,000 40,000 40,000 44,800 3.5%
8.6% 5.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 12.0%
Web designer 45,000 52,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 52,000 48,000 55,000 2.9%
15.6% -3.8% 0.0% 0.0% 4.0% -7.7% 14.6%
Copywriter 44,800 50,000 54,000 58,000 58,000 55,000 65,000 62,000 4.6%
11.6% 8.0% 7.4% 0.0% -5.2% 18.2% -4.6%
Print production manager 50,000 48,000 50,000 52,000 52,500 55,000 62,000 3.1%
-4.0% 4.2% 4.0% 1.0% 4.8%
Marketing/New business 70,000 75,000 75,000 62,500 80,000 3.3%

manager or director 7.1% 0.0% -16.7% 28.0%
Web developer 51,400 55,000 58,200 50,000 55,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 2.2%
(front end/interface systems) 7.0% 5.8% -14.1% 10.0% 9.1% 0.0% 0.0%
Web programmer/Developer 67,500 65,000 62,900 56,000 56,000 60,600 65,000 -0.5%
(back end systems) -3.7% -3.2% -11.0% 0.0% 8.2%
Web producer/Senior producer/ 65,000 69,000 75,000 65,000 65,000 70,000 54,100 75,000 2.0%
Executive producer 6.2% 8.7% -13.3% 0.0% 7.7% -22.7% 38.6%
Content developer 47,000 47,500 50,000 46,500 55,000 65,000 70,500 58,800 3.2%
1.1% 5.3% -7.0% 18.3% 18.2% 8.5% -16.6%
* NOTE: Change in 2006 survey methodology may have affected measurements.
| Median total cash compensation 2000 – 2007

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006* 2007 POSITION
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* NOTE: 2006 data unavailable for Print production manager and Web programmer/Developer (back end systems).
A NOTE ON THE 2006 METHODOLOGY

In 2006, a different research methodology was used that may have underestimated
income. The 2006 data are reflected by dots and excluded from the trend line; the
trend line from 2005 through the most recent data is reflected by a dotted line. The
2007 data are based on the same methodology as all previous years except 2006.
Median total cash compensation 2000 – 2007 |

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2007 Compensation
Compensation overview
SALARY/WAGES SALARY/WAGE COMPARISON TOTAL COMPENSATION RESPONDENTS

25TH% MEDIAN 75TH% 25TH% MEDIAN 75TH%
Solo
designer $ 40,000 $ 60,000 $ 80,000 $ 42,000 $ 60,000 $ 80,300 926
Owner,
Partner, Principal 65,000 100,000 145,000 72,000 113,000 175,000 611
Creative/Design
director 73,000 90,000 116,000 75,000 98,600 130,000 945
Art
director 55,000 70,000 82,000 60,000 72,000 90,000 1047
Senior
designer 50,000 60,000 70,000 50,000 62,000 75,000 1,423
Designer
37,500 44,000 52,000 39,000 45,000 55,000 1,621
Entry-level
designer 30,000 35,000 40,000 31,000 35,000 40,000 749
Print
production artist 35,000 41,200 50,000 36,500 44,800 53,000 419
Web
designer 45,000 54,000 65,000 46,000 55,000 70,000 390
Copywriter
45,000 60,000 72,000 48,000 62,000 77,000 340
Print
production manager 50,000 60,000 70,000 50,000 62,000 76,000 418
Marketing/New business
52,000 75,000 90,000 57,000 80,000 100,000 292
manager or director
Web developer
48,000 60,000 72,000 50,000 60,000 75,000 204
(front end/interface systems)
Web programmer/Developer
52,000 60,000 75,000 54,000 65,000 80,000 131
(back end systems)
Web producer/Senior producer/

Executive producer 60,000 70,000 80,000 60,000 75,000 84,000 121
Content
developer 45,000 55,000 65,000 45,000 58,800 72,500 83
Compensation overview |
Solo designer
A solo designer is a freelance or self-employed design

professional who works independently of a company and
has no employees.
Solo designer
2007 Median total cash compensation comparison by metro area
DENOTES FEWER THAN 5 VALID CASES OR 10 VALID VALUES
$45,000 $72,000
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10 | 2007 Compensation
Overview $ 40,000 $ 60,000 $ 80,000 $ 42,000 $ 60,000 $ 80,300 926

Region
New England 45,000 59,900 80,000 45,000 60,000 83,800 72
Middle Atlantic 47,600 65,000 86,400 48,000 66,000 90,000 179
South Atlantic 37,300 52,000 75,000 40,000 55,000 77,500 145
East North Central 40,000 50,000 75,000 40,000 52,000 80,000 111
East South Central 35,300 47,600 71,300 36,200 47,600 73,000 16
West North Central 42,000 60,000 73,000 45,000 60,000 73,000 39
West South Central 39,900 50,000 75,000 39,900 50,000 75,000 59
Mountain 36,000 45,000 65,000 40,000 50,000 80,000 67
Pacific 43,800 63,600 83,500 46,000 65,000 85,000 238
Metro area
Atlanta 35,500 52,000 72,500 42,300 55,000 72,500 21
Austin 40,500 61,500 74,000 40,500 61,500 74,000 16
Baltimore 40,000 50,000 82,800 43,000 50,000 82,800 13
Boston 45,500 60,000 80,000 50,000 65,000 83,600 45
Charlotte N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7
Chicago 45,000 53,500 85,500 47,400 55,000 90,000 60
Dallas 39,900 50,000 90,000 39,900 50,000 90,000 23
Denver 40,000 50,000 71,000 40,000 50,000 82,400 24
Houston 30,200 52,000 68,700 30,200 52,000 78,200 13
Los Angeles 49,000 65,000 82,500 55,000 68,000 82,500 81
Miami 26,900 45,000 62,500 34,300 45,000 62,500 16
Milwaukee N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5
Minneapolis/St. Paul 49,000 65,000 102,500 53,500 65,000 102,500 18
New York 49,000 70,000 90,000 50,000 72,000 94,300 137
Philadelphia 50,000 55,000 80,000 50,000 60,000 86,400 19
Phoenix 35,000 45,000 60,000 37,500 46,000 65,000 17
Pittsburgh N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7
Portland 40,500 66,000 96,300 42,300 66,000 96,300 16
Providence N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4
St. Louis N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4
San Diego 41,300 65,000 80,000 45,000 65,000 83,800 36
San Francisco 48,500 60,000 71,500 50,000 60,000 83,800 44
Seattle 37,500 52,000 84,300 46,500 55,000 84,300 17
Washington, D.C. 38,500 60,000 92,600 41,300 60,000 93,900 44
Design studio or consultancy 46,500 60,000 90,500 50,000 65,500 100,000 49
Advertising agency 43,500 60,000 82,500 43,500 60,000 82,500 21
Publishing house N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9
Web development firm N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3
In-house design department 48,000 62,400 80,000 50,000 65,000 80,000 59
Other 40,000 58,000 80,000 41,900 60,000 80,000 782
2–9 40,500 65,000 88,800 45,800 65,000 90,000 96
10–99 44,800 60,000 80,000 47,000 61,000 80,000 56
100–999 50,000 65,000 85,000 51,000 68,000 86,000 55
1,000+ 45,000 52,000 72,400 45,500 55,000 73,900 69
Client base
Local/regional only 40,000 55,000 75,500 40,000 60,000 80,000 413
National 42,000 60,000 80,000 45,000 60,000 90,000 319
International 43,000 60,000 80,000 45,000 60,000 84,000 163
NOTE: Results not shown if fewer than 5 valid cases or 10 valid values.
Solo designer | 1 1
Owner, Partner, Principal
An owner, partner, principal holds an equity position and has

major business responsibility for a firm having employees.
Owner, Partner, Principal

$72,500 $215,000
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Overview $ 65,000 $ 100,000 $ 145,000 $ 72,000 $ 113,000 $ 175,000 611

Region
New England 70,000 100,000 150,000 75,000 115,000 200,000 48
Middle Atlantic 65,000 100,000 150,000 77,500 120,000 172,500 113
South Atlantic 55,000 90,000 125,000 60,000 100,000 150,000 91
Mountain 65,000 80,000 100,000 72,500 100,000 147,500 35
Pacific 70,000 100,000 150,000 77,000 125,000 200,000 151
Metro area
Atlanta 90,000 110,000 150,000 100,000 130,000 155,500 17
Austin 60,000 75,000 115,000 66,300 76,500 147,500 14
Baltimore 47,000 55,000 154,500 60,000 72,500 156,300 8
Boston 75,000 100,000 150,000 100,000 112,000 198,800 24
Charlotte 40,500 85,000 150,000 47,300 100,000 170,000 7
Chicago 71,400 90,000 150,000 90,000 120,000 190,000 40
Dallas 75,000 97,600 150,000 75,000 121,600 190,000 11
Denver 40,000 70,000 100,000 55,000 85,000 125,000 9
Houston 75,000 105,000 130,000 98,000 105,000 200,000 12
Los Angeles 70,000 100,000 145,500 70,000 128,200 300,000 51
Miami N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7
New York 92,000 120,000 165,000 92,000 135,000 200,000 71
Philadelphia 63,800 95,000 150,000 63,800 100,000 192,000 18
Phoenix N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7
Pittsburgh 50,000 100,000 100,000 90,000 100,000 125,000 5
Portland 77,000 110,000 120,000 100,000 120,000 145,000 10
Providence 75,000 150,000 200,000 75,000 200,000 200,000 7
St. Louis N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5
San Diego 65,000 85,000 110,000 71,000 110,000 150,000 11
San Francisco 85,000 135,000 200,000 97,500 150,000 242,500 38
Seattle 81,300 105,000 158,800 108,800 215,000 400,000 13
Washington, D.C. 60,000 85,000 118,300 65,000 100,000 150,000 24
Web development firm 41,300 76,000 100,000 49,800 76,000 145,000 14
Other 65,000 100,000 135,000 65,000 105,000 187,500 118
2–9 60,000 80,000 105,000 65,000 90,000 128,200 398
10–99 90,000 125,000 155,000 105,000 150,000 210,000 158
100–999 110,000 200,000 250,000 140,000 300,000 450,000 24
1,000+ 32,500 150,000 176,300 110,000 195,000 200,000 12
Client base
National 65,000 90,000 136,000 72,000 113,000 170,000 259
International 80,000 120,000 180,000 100,000 140,000 250,000 154
Owner, Partner, Principal | 1 3

Creative/Design director
A creative director or design director is the creative head

of a design firm, advertising agency or an in-house corporate
design department. In all of these areas, key responsibilities
can include the development of graphic design, advertising,
communications and industrial design publications.
Creative/Design director
$70,000 $167,500
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Overview $ 73,000 $ 90,000 $ 116,000 $ 75,000 $ 98,600 $ 130,000 945

Region
New England 85,000 100,000 130,000 88,000 120,000 150,000 81
Middle Atlantic 80,000 100,000 130,000 85,000 120,000 150,000 197
South Atlantic 65,000 80,000 100,000 65,500 88,000 105,300 151
Mountain 60,000 75,000 92,000 68,000 80,100 110,000 42
Pacific 80,000 100,000 120,000 80,500 105,000 135,000 209
Metro area
Atlanta 77,300 85,000 107,300 80,000 92,000 110,000 27
Austin 60,000 82,500 99,000 64,500 82,500 100,000 17
Baltimore N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 6
Boston 85,000 100,000 120,000 85,000 105,000 140,000 45
Charlotte 72,500 77,500 80,000 75,300 80,000 85,000 6
Chicago 75,000 90,000 113,800 78,000 95,000 125,000 57
Dallas 72,500 77,500 89,800 75,000 77,500 98,000 13
Denver 60,000 66,600 112,000 60,000 70,000 130,000 13
Houston 62,000 72,500 80,000 62,000 75,000 100,000 14
Los Angeles 80,000 100,000 120,000 82,500 110,000 134,000 75
Miami 48,300 70,000 92,500 56,000 75,000 98,000 17
Milwaukee 80,000 152,500 200,000 93,800 167,500 230,000 6
New York 90,000 120,000 140,000 100,000 135,000 163,500 139
Philadelphia 69,400 85,000 90,000 69,400 91,000 122,500 28
Phoenix N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 6
Pittsburgh 60,000 85,000 102,400 64,000 85,000 105,300 9
Portland 70,000 87,500 100,000 71,300 98,500 119,300 18
Providence 108,500 120,000 145,000 120,000 150,000 150,000 9
St. Louis 75,000 83,000 95,000 80,000 90,000 115,000 15
San Diego 70,000 90,000 116,000 70,000 95,000 160,000 16
San Francisco 87,800 110,000 130,000 93,300 124,000 140,000 54
Seattle 75,000 102,000 135,000 82,000 102,000 145,000 20
Washington, D.C. 75,000 99,000 113,800 79,100 100,500 120,000 50
Publishing house 82,300 90,000 120,000 84,300 109,000 150,000 47
Other 68,000 90,000 120,000 70,000 91,000 130,000 200
2–9 58,300 70,000 85,000 60,000 75,000 92,300 141
10–99 75,000 90,000 110,000 76,000 100,000 125,000 322
100–999 75,000 95,000 130,000 80,000 100,000 140,000 213
1,000+ 75,000 94,000 116,800 82,500 105,000 148,800 263
Client base
National 70,000 88,000 107,000 75,000 94,500 120,000 302
International 80,000 98,000 125,000 85,000 110,000 150,000 365
Creative/Design director | 1 5
Art director
The art director establishes the conceptual and stylistic direction

for design staff and orchestrates their work, as well as the
work of production artists, photographers, illustrators, prepress
technicians, printers and anyone else who is involved in the
development of a project. The art director generally selects
vendors and, if there isn’t a creative director on staff, has final
creative authority.
Art director
$50,000 $90,000
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Overview $ 55,000 $ 70,000 $ 82,000 $ 60,000 $ 72,000 $ 90,000 1,047

Region
New England 65,000 75,000 90,000 68,700 80,000 100,000 77
Middle Atlantic 60,000 75,000 90,000 65,000 78,000 94,300 238
South Atlantic 52,000 67,000 80,800 55,000 70,000 84,800 196
Mountain 45,000 55,000 65,000 50,000 56,000 65,000 37
Pacific 65,000 80,000 90,000 68,000 81,000 100,000 221
Metro area
Atlanta 60,000 65,000 75,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 32
Austin 44,000 65,000 77,500 47,800 70,000 77,500 16
Baltimore 53,300 61,000 75,000 57,300 64,800 90,000 14
Boston 65,000 72,000 81,300 67,900 80,000 90,000 45
Charlotte 50,000 60,000 95,000 55,000 65,000 110,000 9
Chicago 60,000 70,000 75,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 54
Dallas 38,700 59,000 65,000 39,500 60,000 68,000 22
Denver 40,500 43,000 64,600 41,300 50,000 64,600 13
Houston 54,800 62,200 67,800 55,000 62,200 70,000 16
Los Angeles 65,000 80,000 90,000 68,000 82,000 95,000 90
Miami 48,000 55,000 60,000 55,000 60,000 68,000 17
Milwaukee 46,500 63,000 70,000 48,300 70,000 75,000 9
New York 70,000 80,000 90,000 70,000 82,000 100,000 172
Philadelphia 54,500 70,000 77,500 58,500 70,000 79,500 32
Phoenix 55,000 56,000 63,800 56,000 56,000 63,800 9
Pittsburgh 39,400 50,000 63,800 39,400 51,000 69,800 12
Portland 60,000 63,000 70,000 63,000 63,000 75,000 8
Providence 70,000 75,000 97,500 77,000 90,000 100,000 7
St. Louis 44,000 50,000 60,000 45,000 55,000 70,000 14
San Diego 58,000 65,000 80,000 62,100 65,000 81,300 15
San Francisco 75,000 80,400 100,000 80,000 89,000 103,000 60
Seattle 60,000 72,500 93,800 60,000 80,000 94,300 25
Washington, D.C. 70,000 80,000 89,800 75,000 80,000 90,000 69
Other 60,000 70,000 80,000 60,000 70,000 85,000 214
2–9 45,000 55,000 70,000 46,000 57,300 74,300 116
10–99 54,000 67,300 80,000 55,000 70,000 85,000 354
100–999 58,500 70,000 88,000 60,000 75,000 90,000 279
1,000+ 60,000 71,800 85,000 65,000 78,000 90,000 289
Client base
National 53,000 67,800 80,000 55,000 70,000 82,000 358
International 60,000 72,500 88,000 62,800 78,000 95,000 361
Art director | 17
Senior designer
The senior designer is responsible for conceptualization and

design of solutions from concept to completion. In some firms, a
senior designer directs the work of one or more junior designers
who generate comps and create layouts and final art. In some
cases, senior designers do not manage staff but are designated
“senior” because of their authority in design decision-making.
Senior designer
$49,000 $77,500
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Overview $ 50,000 $ 60,000 $ 70,000 $ 50,000 $ 62,000 $ 75,000 1,423

Region
New England 55,000 65,000 75,000 57,300 67,500 80,000 127
Middle Atlantic 53,200 65,000 75,000 55,000 70,000 80,100 278
South Atlantic 48,500 55,000 65,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 240
Mountain 40,000 48,000 55,000 42,000 50,000 60,000 65
Pacific 55,000 65,000 75,000 56,000 70,000 80,000 322
Metro area
Atlanta 50,000 55,000 62,500 50,000 57,000 75,000 41
Austin 45,000 55,000 55,000 49,800 55,000 60,000 19
Baltimore 45,000 53,000 65,000 45,000 53,000 70,000 26
Boston 55,000 65,000 68,000 56,000 67,000 76,500 80
Charlotte 50,000 67,500 85,000 50,000 77,500 88,300 12
Chicago 50,000 58,000 70,000 50,000 62,000 70,500 102
Dallas 38,000 50,000 65,000 38,000 50,000 68,000 24
Denver 39,300 51,000 60,000 42,000 55,000 61,300 23
Houston 50,000 55,000 70,000 51,000 65,000 73,000 21
Los Angeles 59,500 69,800 75,000 60,000 71,200 81,300 103
Miami 40,000 50,000 52,300 45,000 51,000 55,000 21
Milwaukee 44,900 52,000 53,800 48,200 55,000 62,300 13
New York 60,000 70,000 80,000 62,000 75,000 85,000 191
Philadelphia 48,000 57,500 68,000 50,000 59,500 70,000 46
Phoenix 47,500 50,000 56,500 47,500 50,000 56,500 10
Pittsburgh 45,000 50,000 53,000 45,000 50,000 53,000 13
Portland 49,500 55,000 60,800 49,500 56,500 63,000 22
Providence 60,000 65,000 75,000 65,500 70,000 77,500 12
St. Louis 42,900 49,000 65,000 42,900 49,000 70,000 13
San Diego 45,000 55,000 65,000 47,000 60,000 73,000 32
San Francisco 60,900 72,000 80,000 65,000 75,000 85,000 90
Seattle 53,600 61,000 68,500 54,100 65,000 78,000 42
Washington, D.C. 50,000 60,000 66,300 54,300 60,000 70,500 81
Other 48,700 60,000 74,400 50,000 63,300 75,000 273
2–9 43,000 51,000 60,000 45,000 55,000 65,000 248
10–99 50,000 60,000 70,000 50,000 63,000 75,000 423
100–999 50,000 60,000 75,000 50,000 64,500 75,300 310
1,000+ 51,000 61,000 72,000 54,000 65,000 78,000 431
Client base
National 48,000 58,000 67,600 50,000 60,000 71,300 460
International 53,000 64,000 75,000 55,000 67,500 80,000 514
Senior designer | 19
Designer
A designer is responsible for conceptualization and design of

graphic applications such as collateral material, environmental
graphics, books and magazines, corporate identity, film titling
and multimedia interfaces, from concept to completion.
Designer
$37,000 $55,000
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Overview $ 37,500 $ 44,000 $ 52,000 $ 39,000 $ 45,000 $ 55,000 1,621

Region
New England 40,000 49,000 55,000 42,000 50,000 59,000 120
Middle Atlantic 40,000 48,000 55,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 287
South Atlantic 37,000 44,000 50,000 38,500 45,000 53,000 267
Mountain 35,000 40,000 45,000 35,000 42,000 46,000 97
Pacific 41,500 48,000 57,500 42,000 50,000 60,000 357
Metro area
Atlanta 40,000 43,000 45,000 40,000 45,000 50,000 42
Austin 36,000 41,000 45,000 36,000 44,000 48,000 18
Baltimore 35,000 40,000 45,000 36,000 40,000 47,000 26
Boston 40,000 47,500 55,000 43,000 49,000 55,000 68
Charlotte 38,500 39,500 42,300 38,500 40,000 46,000 13
Chicago 40,000 43,000 50,000 40,000 46,000 55,000 102
Dallas 33,000 40,000 45,000 33,000 40,000 45,000 22
Denver 36,500 45,000 50,000 37,000 45,000 52,000 26
Houston 35,000 38,000 45,000 37,800 40,000 47,000 20
Los Angeles 42,500 50,000 60,000 45,000 52,000 65,000 116
Miami 35,000 40,000 48,100 38,400 40,000 51,600 18
Milwaukee 34,000 38,000 40,000 34,000 39,000 47,300 14
New York 42,000 50,000 55,000 43,000 50,000 61,500 203
Philadelphia 35,000 43,500 55,000 36,000 45,000 55,000 40
Phoenix 40,000 42,300 45,000 40,000 43,800 45,000 23
Pittsburgh 28,000 36,000 49,000 32,000 37,000 51,000 16
Portland 40,000 45,000 48,000 40,000 48,000 51,000 32
Providence 40,000 50,000 55,000 45,000 55,000 67,000 12
St. Louis 35,300 40,000 42,500 38,000 42,000 44,000 15
San Diego 34,800 40,000 52,500 34,800 40,800 54,300 45
San Francisco 48,000 55,000 60,000 48,700 55,000 61,800 77
Seattle 42,000 46,500 58,300 42,500 51,000 60,000 48
Washington, D.C. 43,000 50,000 55,000 44,000 52,000 56,000 94
Other 37,000 45,000 52,000 38,000 45,000 55,000 345
2–9 35,000 39,000 45,000 35,000 40,000 48,000 283
10–99 36,000 43,000 50,000 37,900 45,000 53,000 498
100–999 38,000 43,000 50,000 40,000 45,000 54,000 375
1,000+ 40,000 48,000 55,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 439
Client base
National 37,500 43,000 50,000 38,000 45,000 52,000 507
International 39,600 45,000 55,000 40,000 48,000 58,800 557
Designer | 21
Entry-level designer
An entry-level designer is one to two years out of school

and requires mentoring in all aspects of design conception
and implementation.
Entry-level designer
$30,000 $45,000
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Overview $ 30,000 $ 35,000 $ 40,000 $ 31,000 $ 35,000 $ 40,000 749

Region
New England 32,000 36,000 40,000 33,000 39,000 43,500 68
Middle Atlantic 32,000 36,000 42,500 32,000 38,000 45,000 143
South Atlantic 30,000 33,000 37,000 32,000 35,000 39,500 115
Mountain 30,000 32,000 34,300 30,000 33,300 36,000 40
Pacific 30,300 36,000 42,000 32,000 37,000 44,000 152
Metro area
Atlanta 32,000 35,000 40,000 32,000 35,000 40,000 17
Austin 30,000 32,000 35,000 30,000 32,000 35,300 9
Baltimore 31,000 32,000 35,000 32,000 32,000 36,000 14
Boston 32,000 36,000 40,000 33,300 37,000 42,500 48
Charlotte 31,500 35,000 35,000 31,500 36,000 42,000 8
Chicago 32,000 35,000 38,000 32,000 35,000 40,000 56
Dallas 25,000 30,000 30,800 25,000 30,000 33,000 8
Denver 28,800 31,000 35,000 30,000 32,000 35,300 13
Houston 33,500 35,000 36,000 33,500 35,000 36,000 9
Los Angeles 30,000 36,500 42,000 31,000 37,000 45,000 59
Miami 30,600 31,200 35,000 31,000 35,000 38,100 9
New York 35,000 36,500 45,000 35,000 40,000 45,000 104
Philadelphia 32,000 34,000 40,000 32,000 34,000 40,000 21
Phoenix 32,400 34,500 35,300 33,600 35,000 36,300 10
Pittsburgh 28,000 31,000 45,500 28,000 31,000 45,500 8
Portland 29,300 35,000 39,300 30,300 35,900 42,000 18
Providence 30,000 40,000 45,000 35,000 45,000 55,000 6
St. Louis 30,000 30,000 34,000 30,000 32,000 37,500 15
San Diego 30,000 34,500 36,500 31,000 34,500 38,000 15
San Francisco 32,000 38,000 43,000 33,000 40,000 44,500 33
Seattle 32,000 35,500 40,000 35,000 39,000 41,800 11
Washington, D.C. 32,000 35,000 41,000 32,000 36,000 42,200 33
Other 31,200 35,000 40,000 32,000 36,000 40,000 158
2–9 30,000 32,000 35,000 30,000 32,000 35,500 148
10–99 30,000 35,000 38,000 30,600 35,000 40,000 274
100–999 32,000 35,000 40,000 32,000 36,000 41,300 183
1,000+ 32,000 36,000 40,000 32,000 37,500 42,100 142
Client base
National 30,000 33,000 36,000 30,000 35,000 38,000 245
International 32,000 35,000 40,000 32,300 37,500 43,100 285
Entry-level designer | 23
Print production artist
A print production artist has a working understanding of

layout, type and color, and is able to take instructions from
a designer and create a complete layout, working proficiently
in InDesign, Quark, Photoshop and Illustrator. Responsibilities
also include producing final files that image properly to film
or printer specification.
Print production artist

$35,000 $52,000
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Overview $ 35,000 $ 41,200 $ 50,000 $ 36,500 $ 44,800 $ 53,000 419

Region
New England 35,300 40,000 53,800 36,300 48,000 60,000 32
Middle Atlantic 39,500 45,000 59,000 39,600 45,000 61,200 65
South Atlantic 35,000 41,000 48,000 36,500 44,500 50,000 72
Mountain 30,500 35,000 40,000 31,400 36,000 44,000 22
Pacific 36,000 45,000 52,000 38,400 45,000 55,000 108
Metro area
Atlanta 40,000 45,000 55,000 40,000 48,000 55,000 13
Austin 40,500 43,000 52,000 40,800 43,500 52,000 6
Baltimore 35,000 40,000 45,000 40,000 42,000 45,000 8
Boston 37,000 45,000 57,000 38,600 48,000 60,000 20
Charlotte N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2
Chicago 40,000 45,000 55,000 40,000 48,000 56,000 25
Dallas 37,000 39,000 48,800 37,000 39,000 49,600 9
Denver 30,000 35,000 35,000 30,000 35,000 48,000 6
Houston N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3
Los Angeles 35,000 45,000 50,000 35,000 45,700 57,000 40
Miami 35,000 39,500 47,000 37,000 48,000 48,200 13
Milwaukee 30,000 40,000 41,500 30,000 42,000 45,000 7
New York 40,000 45,000 60,000 40,000 50,000 64,000 44
Philadelphia 34,000 45,000 50,000 34,000 47,500 50,000 11
Phoenix 32,000 40,000 45,000 33,000 40,000 47,000 9
Pittsburgh N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4
Portland 32,500 36,000 40,500 33,500 37,000 42,000 10
Providence N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3
St. Louis 34,600 47,500 50,000 36,900 51,500 55,000 7
San Diego 36,000 40,000 42,800 40,000 40,000 45,300 11
San Francisco 45,000 49,000 60,000 45,000 49,000 65,000 24
Seattle 40,000 47,000 52,000 40,000 52,000 55,000 17
Washington, D.C. 41,100 42,000 50,000 41,100 44,500 50,700 15
Web development firm N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Other 36,000 40,000 52,000 38,500 45,000 53,500 82
2–9 30,000 40,000 52,000 32,000 40,000 52,000 36
10–99 35,000 40,500 50,000 36,200 43,000 53,000 155
100–999 35,000 40,000 48,000 35,000 40,000 50,000 115
1,000+ 36,500 45,000 52,000 39,000 48,000 55,900 104
Client base
National 35,000 40,000 48,000 35,000 42,000 50,000 137
International 35,000 42,000 50,000 38,000 45,000 55,000 164
Print production artist | 25

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Other positions
The AIGA | Aquent Survey of Design Salaries

focuses on compensation statistics of AIGA
members and Communication Arts magazine
subscribers principally engaged in communi-
cation design functions. Data are also
collected on professional employees who
work with and support designers, but are not
in core design roles. Since a smaller number
of these categories of employees are present
in the sampled universe and in the response
pool, it is not possible to report accurate
data for metro areas. The response pool is
sufficient to offer statistically valid results for
all other distinguishing characteristics. For
partial results, see www.designsalaries.com.
Web designer
A web designer determines and develops the look and feel

for sites, and is responsible for site navigation design and
visual execution.

Overview $ 45,000 $ 54,000 $ 65,000 $ 46,000 $ 55,000 $ 70,000 390

Region
New England 53,000 62,500 70,000 53,000 70,000 79,000 27
Middle Atlantic 40,000 50,000 65,000 42,000 55,000 70,000 59
South Atlantic 45,000 52,000 60,000 47,500 54,500 63,000 69
Mountain 42,000 47,400 50,000 44,500 47,400 52,800 22
Pacific 49,000 60,000 70,000 50,000 65,000 75,000 92
Other 42,300 52,000 65,000 44,100 53,000 65,000 108
2–9 37,000 45,000 53,400 39,800 45,000 55,500 45
10–99 40,800 50,000 60,000 43,800 54,500 65,000 140
100–999 45,000 55,000 65,000 50,000 55,000 70,000 83
1,000+ 50,000 58,400 66,000 52,000 60,000 70,600 121
Client base
National 43,000 50,000 60,000 45,000 54,000 65,000 134
International 50,000 56,000 68,000 50,000 62,000 75,000 133
Other positions | 27
Copywriter
A copywriter is able to write, edit and proof promotional or

publicity copy for print or electronic publications. At higher
levels, copywriters are often responsible for strategic and
conceptual development of messages and stories.

Overview $ 45,000 $ 60,000 $ 72,000 $ 48,000 $ 62,000 $ 77,000 340

Region
New England 50,000 60,000 70,000 55,500 65,000 70,000 30
Middle Atlantic 50,000 72,500 83,000 55,000 75,000 90,000 48
South Atlantic 45,000 50,000 65,000 45,000 54,000 65,900 60
Mountain 47,500 60,000 65,000 50,000 60,000 65,000 13
Pacific 60,000 70,000 85,000 60,000 72,000 90,000 82
Other 45,000 60,000 65,000 50,000 63,400 75,000 89
2–9 39,500 52,000 80,000 39,900 55,000 80,000 26
10–99 45,000 62,000 75,000 46,500 65,000 79,000 120
100–999 50,000 60,000 75,000 50,000 60,000 81,500 79
1,000+ 45,000 55,000 70,000 48,000 60,000 73,000 106
Client base
National 43,500 60,000 75,000 46,000 60,000 80,000 119
International 50,000 60,000 75,000 55,000 65,000 80,000 123
Print production manager
The print production manager is responsible for managing the

process (bids, scheduling, production and delivery) of producing
publications, from concept through production, including
photography, separations, 4-color press work as well as digital
production. Print production managers are strong project
managers, managing multiple jobs simultaneously. In some
cases, proficiency in InDesign, Quark, Photoshop and Illustrator
is desirable in this role.

Overview $ 50,000 $ 60,000 $ 70,000 $ 50,000 $ 62,000 $ 76,000 418

Region
New England 50,000 60,600 65,000 50,000 62,000 78,800 36
Middle Atlantic 50,000 65,000 80,000 50,000 70,000 85,000 79
South Atlantic 46,000 60,000 65,000 48,000 60,000 71,500 75
Mountain 48,000 50,000 62,000 50,000 53,000 78,000 13
Pacific 54,400 65,000 75,000 55,000 65,500 80,000 95
Web development firm N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Other 45,000 60,000 65,300 45,000 60,000 70,000 83
2–9 40,000 48,000 55,000 41,000 50,000 60,000 50
10–99 46,500 60,000 70,000 49,300 60,300 74,800 164
100–999 50,000 58,000 70,000 52,000 60,000 75,000 97
1,000+ 55,000 65,000 75,000 60,000 70,800 83,000 105
Client base
National 48,000 57,000 65,000 50,000 60,000 72,300 146
International 52,800 62,000 75,000 54,400 65,000 80,000 152
Marketing/New business manager or director
A marketing or new business professional is responsible

for seeking business opportunities, developing proposals
and marketing the firm’s practices.

Overview $ 52,000 $ 75,000 $ 90,000 $ 57,000 $ 80,000 $ 100,000 292

Region
New England 50,000 65,000 85,000 52,000 70,000 100,000 20
Middle Atlantic 61,500 80,000 85,800 64,300 80,000 100,000 39
South Atlantic 50,000 72,000 85,000 60,000 75,000 90,000 56
East South Central N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 8
Mountain 50,000 50,000 77,500 50,000 50,000 80,000 13
Pacific 60,000 80,000 110,000 65,000 90,000 121,000 67
Other 52,300 70,000 100,000 54,500 80,000 100,000 87
2–9 40,000 60,000 70,000 45,000 60,000 75,000 62
10–99 52,200 70,000 90,000 57,000 80,000 100,000 140
100–999 65,000 77,500 100,000 65,000 85,000 110,000 44
1,000+ 70,000 80,000 95,000 70,000 90,000 113,800 45
Client base
National 50,500 65,800 85,000 56,300 75,000 100,000 107
International 65,000 80,000 95,000 70,000 90,000 120,000 100
Web developer (front end/interface systems)
A front end developer uses HTML/JavaScript/ASP/ColdFusion

and other tools to develop static and dynamic web pages.

Overview $ 48,000 $ 60,000 $ 72,000 $ 50,000 $ 60,000 $ 75,000 204

Region
New England 43,800 57,500 61,300 50,000 57,500 61,300 12
Middle Atlantic 45,400 55,000 75,000 48,400 60,000 80,000 24
South Atlantic 50,000 60,000 75,000 50,000 61,000 75,000 39
Mountain 36,000 51,300 55,000 36,000 52,800 60,000 7
Pacific 55,000 65,000 78,300 55,000 70,000 85,000 51
Other 50,000 60,000 75,000 50,000 60,000 75,000 65
2–9 40,000 50,000 60,000 40,000 50,000 60,800 31
10–99 45,000 55,000 65,000 48,100 60,000 75,000 84
100–999 49,500 60,000 65,000 51,000 60,000 70,000 38
1,000+ 54,000 73,500 78,100 59,000 75,000 84,000 50
Client base
National 45,000 55,000 60,000 48,400 60,000 67,000 85
International 50,000 62,500 75,000 50,000 65,000 80,000 65
Web programmer/Developer (back end systems)
A back end programmer works with web server systems

and web databases, develops web queries to databases,
and programs web applications.

Overview $ 52,000 $ 60,000 $ 75,000 $ 54,000 $ 65,000 $ 80,000 131

Region
New England 55,000 62,500 78,000 57,300 65,300 78,000 8
Middle Atlantic 53,000 70,000 90,000 55,800 70,000 90,000 17
South Atlantic 60,000 72,000 82,000 60,000 75,000 83,800 29
West South Central N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 6
Mountain 51,300 51,300 60,000 52,800 52,800 65,000 6
Pacific 55,000 72,500 80,000 55,000 72,500 80,000 26
Other 55,000 65,000 78,000 55,000 65,000 78,000 56
2–9 40,000 50,000 65,000 42,000 50,000 65,000 15
10–99 50,000 60,000 75,000 54,000 62,400 78,000 64
100–999 51,300 60,000 75,000 52,800 65,500 75,000 29
1,000+ 60,000 75,000 86,000 60,000 75,000 90,000 23
Client base
National 54,000 60,400 75,000 54,000 64,000 75,000 60
International 50,000 60,000 80,000 50,000 65,000 85,000 48
Web producer/Senior producer/Executive producer
A web producer organizes web development teams and

ensures adherence to budget, schedule and design of
website development.

Overview $ 60,000 $ 70,000 $ 80,000 $ 60,000 $ 75,000 $ 84,000 121

Region
New England 46,500 60,000 70,000 48,300 60,000 70,000 8
Middle Atlantic 58,000 70,000 90,000 60,000 75,000 91,000 21
South Atlantic 60,000 72,500 83,500 60,000 75,000 84,300 19
Mountain N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4
Pacific 65,000 80,000 90,000 67,300 80,000 91,500 36
Other 60,000 70,000 80,000 62,000 73,500 80,000 38
2–9 41,000 50,000 55,500 45,000 50,000 57,000 12
10–99 60,000 66,500 80,000 60,000 72,000 81,000 56
100–999 55,000 75,000 83,000 62,000 75,000 85,000 23
1,000+ 60,000 77,000 90,000 66,000 80,000 100,000 30
Client base
National 55,000 60,000 80,000 57,000 62,000 80,000 47
International 66,900 75,000 90,000 70,000 80,000 100,000 46
Content developer
A content developer is also known as a web writer or editor.

He or she is responsible for the production and repurposing
of text/graphic/audio content on sites.

Overview $ 45,000 $ 55,000 $ 65,000 $ 45,000 $ 58,800 $ 72,500 83

Region
New England N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4
Middle Atlantic 36,000 48,000 55,000 36,000 55,000 60,000 11
South Atlantic 43,800 55,000 67,500 43,800 57,500 72,500 16
Mountain N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4
Pacific 55,000 65,000 74,500 55,000 65,000 75,000 22
Design studio or consultancy N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4
Other 49,200 55,000 65,000 50,700 60,000 65,000 32
2–9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7
10–99 37,000 55,000 65,000 37,000 60,000 74,800 25
100–999 49,200 53,500 70,000 50,000 53,500 70,000 18
1,000+ 48,500 50,000 65,000 50,000 62,000 72,500 29
Client base
Local/regional only N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9
National 40,000 55,000 65,000 40,000 55,000 65,000 27
International 46,500 50,000 65,000 49,000 55,000 74,800 32
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Time off
Type of organization Size of organization

Design studio or consultancy 918 Respondents 2–9 employees 913 Respondents
Net: Paid time off 88% Net: Paid time off 77%
Paid vacation/holidays 86% Paid vacation/holidays 76%
Paid sick leave 72% Paid sick leave 62%
Paid personal time off 60% Paid personal time off 49%
Comp time 20% Comp time 17%
Advertising agency 446 Respondents 10–99 employees 1,150 Respondents

Publishing house 200 Respondents 100–999 employees 876 Respondents

Web development firm 59 Respondents 1,000+ employees 1,053 Respondents

NOTE: The value represented by “Net: Paid time off” indicates the percentage of respondents
In-house design department 1,422 Respondents receiving one or more of the types of paid time off listed.
Net: Paid time off 97%
Paid vacation/holidays 95%
Paid sick leave 82%
Paid personal time off 73%
Comp time 26%
Other 1,723 Respondents

Net: Paid time off 49%
Paid vacation/holidays 48%
Paid sick leave 40%
Paid personal time off 34%
Comp time 13%
36 | 2007 Benefits
Medical and dental insurance

Net: Medical/dental coverage 81% Net: Medical/dental coverage 69%
Med. insurance or group plan: Individual 71% Med. insurance or group plan: Individual 59%
Dental insurance or group plan 44% Dental insurance or group plan 31%
Med. insurance or group plan: Family 44% Med. insurance or group plan: Family 33%
Medical savings account 16% Medical savings account 10%



NOTE: The value represented by “Net: Medical/dental coverage” indicates the percentage of respondents
In-house design department 1,422 Respondents receiving one or more of the types of medical/dental coverage listed.
Net: Medical/dental coverage 97%
Med. insurance or group plan: Individual 87%
Dental insurance or group plan 91%
Med. insurance or group plan: Family 87%
Medical savings account 63%

Net: Medical/dental coverage 49%
Med. insurance or group plan: Individual 43%
Dental insurance or group plan 41%
Med. insurance or group plan: Family 39%
Medical savings account 24%
Benefits provided | 37
Insurance

Net: Insurance 38% Net: Insurance 26%
Life insurance 26% Life insurance 18%
Long-term disability insurance 24% Long-term disability insurance 15%
Short-term disability insurance 20% Short-term disability insurance 12%



NOTE: The value represented by “Net: Insurance” indicates the percentage of respondents
In-house design department 1,422 Respondents receiving one or more of the types of insurance listed.
Net: Insurance 86%
Life insurance 82%
Long-term disability insurance 70%
Short-term disability insurance 67%

Net: Insurance 37%
Life insurance 34%
Long-term disability insurance 29%
Short-term disability insurance 25%
38 | 2007 Benefits
Retirement

Net: Retirement plan 58% Net: Retirement plan 42%
Defined contrib. retirement plan e.g., 401(k) 48% Defined contrib. retirement plan e.g., 401(k) 33%
Defined benefit (pension) retirement plan 7% Defined benefit (pension) retirement plan 7%
Other retirement plan 8% Other retirement plan 7%



NOTE: The value represented by “Net: Retirement plan” indicates the percentage of respondents
In-house design department 1,422 Respondents receiving one or more of the types of retirement plans listed.
Net: Retirement plan 91%
Defined contrib. retirement plan e.g., 401(k) 86%
Defined benefit (pension) retirement plan 32%
Other retirement plan 10%

Net: Retirement plan 42%
Defined contrib. retirement plan e.g., 401(k) 38%
Defined benefit (pension) retirement plan 12%
Other retirement plan 5%
Financial benefits and family care

Sign-on bonus 4% Sign-on bonus 2%
Profit sharing 22% Profit sharing 14%
Stock options 3% Stock options 2%
Paid parental leave 14% Paid parental leave 7%
Child or elder care 2% Child or elder care 2%



In-house design department 1,422 Respondents

Sign-on bonus 7%
Profit sharing 24%
Stock options 27%
Paid parental leave 32%
Child or elder care 17%

Sign-on bonus 3%
Profit sharing 10%
Stock options 7%
Paid parental leave 12%
Child or elder care 5%
40 | 2007 Benefits
Personal development and health

Education funding/professional Education funding/professional
development assistance 28% development assistance 21%
Professional society dues 36% Professional society dues 28%
Employee assistance or wellness program 8% Employee assistance or wellness program 6%




Education funding/professional
development assistance 59%
Professional society dues 39%
Employee assistance or wellness program 54%

Education funding/professional
development assistance 24%
Professional society dues 17%
Employee assistance or wellness program 17%
Transportation and mobility

Mileage reimbursement 45% Mileage reimbursement 39%
Parking 27% Parking 20%
Car phone/cell phone 19% Car phone/cell phone 16%
Company car or allowance 7% Company car or allowance 5%




Mileage reimbursement 58%
Parking 32%
Car phone/cell phone 22%
Company car or allowance 5%

Mileage reimbursement 28%
Parking 16%
Car phone/cell phone 12%
Company car or allowance 3%
42 | 2007 Benefits
Resources
Design Jobs Gain: AIGA Journal of Business and Design

Human resources are a critical element of The Gain journal is dedicated to stimulating
any design business. AIGA Design Jobs is a thinking at the intersection of design and
means of finding qualified designers who business. Through rigorous case studies
are committed to the profession. By virtue and thoughtful interviews, the journal
of affiliation with AIGA, Design Jobs provides demonstrates how the process of design
a valuable filter on the type of positions can be used to solve business problems,
posted and the applicant pool. foster innovation, build meaningful customer
relationships and differentiate products
If you’re looking for a job, you can post from competitors.
your portfolio containing samples of your
work, a personal statement, résumé and AIGA Harvard Business School
contact details. advanced design leadership program
AIGA and Harvard Business School offer
LINKS
AIGA Design:Business an annual advanced leadership program,
AIGA Design:Business contains articles “Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders,” Design Jobs
on the practical issues of running a design a one-week program to provide experienced www.aigadesignjobs.org
practice, based on the advice of nationally designers with a chance to master the
AIGA Design:Business
recognized consultants. AIGA Design: perspective of their clients toward business. www.aiga.org /designbusiness-archive
Business represents the views of its authors, Drawing on the strength of the Harvard
who are familiar with the practices of scores Business School experience and the school’s Design Business and Ethics series
of firms. Aimed at those who run studios, best faculty, the program helps creative leaders www.aiga.org /design-business-and-ethics
sole practitioners and designers, it will discover opportunities within the forces of Gain: AIGA Journal of Business and Design
help you learn more about what you need transforming the business environment. gain.aiga.org
to know to run your own practice.
AIGA Standard Form of Agreement AIGA Harvard Business School advanced
design leadership program
Design Business and Ethics series As part of the Design Business and Ethics www.aiga.org /business-perspectives
AIGA has released a series of brochures series, AIGA has released the latest version
outlining the critical ethical and professional of the AIGA Standard Form of Agreement for AIGA Standard Form of Agreement
issues encountered by designers and their Design Services. This version acknowledges www.aiga.org /design-business-and-ethics
clients. The series, entitled “Design Business that most design firms develop their own
and Ethics,” examines the key concerns a custom proposal document for each project
designer faces in maintaining a successful and are looking for an appropriate set
practice and speaks directly to the protection of terms and conditions to attach to it.
of individual rights. When put together and signed, the custom
proposal document and its attached terms
Authored by industry leaders from across and conditions comprise the binding
the country, each brochure offers clear agreement with the client.
and concise information, as well as practical
and specific directions for approaching
design issues.
Resources | 43
About AIGA | Aquent
ABOUT AIGA ABOUT AQUENT

AIGA, the professional association for design, Aquent is the Official AIGA Sponsor for
is the oldest and largest membership Professional Development, serving as a source
association for design professionals engaged for creative and design talent as well as
in the discipline, practice and culture of providing access to great career opportuni-
designing. Its mission is to advance designing ties for AIGA members nationwide.
as a professional craft, strategic tool and
vital cultural force. Aquent partners with AIGA on national
conferences, initiatives, exhibitions and events.
The organization was founded as the As part of ongoing support of AIGA mem-
American Institute of Graphic Arts in 1914. bers’ career goals, Aquent underwrites the
Since then, it has become the preeminent AIGA | Aquent Survey of Design Salaries. This
professional association for communication resource establishes a common ground for
designers, broadly defined. In the past decade, discussing the costs and value of creative work.
designers have increasingly been involved in To find out more about the AIGA | Aquent
creating value for clients (whether public or Survey of Design Salaries, a print and online
business) through applying design thinking to publication, visit www.designsalaries.com.
AIGA | the professional association for design complex problems, even when the outcomes
164 Fifth Avenue New York NY 10010 may be more strategic, multidimensional and Aquent also strives to support AIGA’s effort
212 807 1990 | www.aiga.org
conceptual than what most would consider to promote a lively and engaging exchange
This survey is conducted by AIGA, on behalf of its traditional communication design. AIGA of ideas concerning the issues of greatest
members and is sponsored by Aquent. To provide now represents more than 19,000 designers importance to the design community.
comments on how the survey can be improved in
future years, please contact salarysurvey@aiga.org. of all disciplines through national activities
and local programs developed by more than Aquent is the only global staffing company
Survey research 55 chapters and 200 student groups. dedicated to marketing and creative services
Readex Research, Stillwater, MN
www.readexresearch.com organizations and the leader in helping
AIGA supports the interests of professionals, companies increase marketing capacity
Design educators and students who are engaged by providing the right talent quickly. Our
KINETIK, Inc., Washington, DC
www.kinetikcom.com in the process of designing. The association network of more than 400,000 marketing
is committed to stimulating thinking about and creative services professionals gives
Printing design, demonstrating the value of design, us access to a diverse field of talent that
Peake DeLancey Printers, LLC, Cheverly, MD
www.peakedelancey.com and empowering success for designers includes graphic designers, copywriters,
throughout the arc of their careers. brand managers and market researchers.
Paper
Sappi Fine Paper, McCoy Silk
Cover 80 lb/216 gsm and Text 80 lb/118 gsm Through conferences, competitions, exhibi- To learn more about Aquent, visit our website
www.sappi.com tions, publications and websites, AIGA at aquent.com or call 877 2 AQUENT.
inspires, educates and informs designers,
©2007 AIGA
No information in this survey may be published helping them to realize their talents and
without recognizing the source as the to advocate the value of design among the
AIGA | Aquent Survey of Design Salaries 2007. media, the business community, governments
and the public.
44 | About AIGA | Aquent

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AIGA | the professional association for design
164 Fifth Avenue
New York NY 10010
www.aiga.org
AIGA | AQUENT Survey of Design Salaries 2007

Visit www.designsalaries.com for complete results.

Advertising Salary Survey 2007

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 | Letter from the executive director

Purpose Surveys were administered via the web

A second sample of 5,270 was added for

Advertising agency 446 Respondents In-house design department 1,422 Respondents

Publishing house 200 Respondents Other 1,723 Respondents

10–99 employees 1,150 Respondents 1,000+ employees 1,053 Respondents

Characteristics of survey respondents | 

Marketing/New business 70,000 75,000 75,000 62,500 80,000 3.3%

* NOTE: Change in 2006 survey methodology may have affected measurements.

 | Median total cash compensation 2000 – 2007

A NOTE ON THE 2006 METHODOLOGY

Median total cash compensation 2000 – 2007 | 

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SALARY/WAGES SALARY/WAGE COMPARISON TOTAL COMPENSATION RESPONDENTS

Web producer/Senior producer/

A solo designer is a freelance or self-employed design

DENOTES FEWER THAN 5 VALID CASES OR 10 VALID VALUES

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Overview $ 40,000 $ 60,000 $ 80,000 $ 42,000 $ 60,000 $ 80,300 926

An owner, partner, principal holds an equity position and has

Owner, Partner, Principal

DENOTES FEWER THAN 5 VALID CASES OR 10 VALID VALUES

Overview $ 65,000 $ 100,000 $ 145,000 $ 72,000 $ 113,000 $ 175,000 611

Owner, Partner, Principal | 1 3

A creative director or design director is the creative head

DENOTES FEWER THAN 5 VALID CASES OR 10 VALID VALUES

Overview $ 73,000 $ 90,000 $ 116,000 $ 75,000 $ 98,600 $ 130,000 945

The art director establishes the conceptual and stylistic direction

DENOTES FEWER THAN 5 VALID CASES OR 10 VALID VALUES

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Overview $ 55,000 $ 70,000 $ 82,000 $ 60,000 $ 72,000 $ 90,000 1,047

The senior designer is responsible for conceptualization and

DENOTES FEWER THAN 5 VALID CASES OR 10 VALID VALUES

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Overview $ 50,000 $ 60,000 $ 70,000 $ 50,000 $ 62,000 $ 75,000 1,423

A designer is responsible for conceptualization and design of

DENOTES FEWER THAN 5 VALID CASES OR 10 VALID VALUES

Overview $ 37,500 $ 44,000 $ 52,000 $ 39,000 $ 45,000 $ 55,000 1,621

An entry-level designer is one to two years out of school

DENOTES FEWER THAN 5 VALID CASES OR 10 VALID VALUES

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Overview $ 30,000 $ 35,000 $ 40,000 $ 31,000 $ 35,000 $ 40,000 749

A print production artist has a working understanding of

Print production artist

DENOTES FEWER THAN 5 VALID CASES OR 10 VALID VALUES

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Overview $ 35,000 $ 41,200 $ 50,000 $ 36,500 $ 44,800 $ 53,000 419

Print production artist | 25

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The AIGA | Aquent Survey of Design Salaries

A web designer determines and develops the look and feel

SALARY/WAGES SALARY/WAGE COMPARISON TOTAL COMPENSATION RESPONDENTS

Overview $ 45,000 $ 54,000 $ 65,000 $ 46,000 $ 55,000 $ 70,000 390

A copywriter is able to write, edit and proof promotional or

SALARY/WAGES SALARY/WAGE COMPARISON TOTAL COMPENSATION RESPONDENTS

Overview $ 45,000 $ 60,000 $ 72,000 $ 48,000 $ 62,000 $ 77,000 340

The print production manager is responsible for managing the

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| Letter from the executive director

Characteristics of survey respondents |

| Median total cash compensation 2000 – 2007

Median total cash compensation 2000 – 2007 |

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