What does a graphic designer earn in 2025?

Salary for graphic designers in 2025

As a graphic designer in Norway, you have good job prospects in a creative and increasingly digitalized job market. Salary has been a central topic for many in this industry, both for established designers and for those considering training in the field. Here, we discuss what the average salary for graphic designers in 2025 is, what affects salary levels, and how you can increase your income in the profession.

Relevant salary figures and sources

According to Utdanning.no and updated data from Statistics Norway (SSB), the average annual salary for graphic designers in 2025 is around 570,000 kroner gross. This figure also reflects the salary growth over the past couple of years, where digital design and communication have gained even greater importance in the job market. Note that there are significant individual differences:

• Starting salary: For newly graduated graphic designers, the annual salary is often between 460,000 and 500,000 kroner.
• Experienced designers: Professionals with several years of experience, specialization, and possibly managerial responsibilities can earn 650,000 kroner or more.
• Freelancers and self-employed: Income here varies widely, but a practical estimate is 500,000–700,000 kroner depending on assignments and networks.

These salary estimates are based on the latest available figures from SSB and industry organizations, and apply to permanent employees in both the private and public sectors.

Factors affecting salary levels

The salary of a graphic designer is influenced by several key factors:

• Experience level: The greater the work experience, the higher the salary.
• Qualifications and education: A bachelor's or master's degree in design often provides a salary advantage, especially in the long run.
• Work location: Salary levels may be higher in large cities and within the technology, media, and advertising industries.
• Employer: Large, established companies often offer better terms than small design studios.
• Skills: Broad competence in web design, animation, UX/UI, or marketing can lead to higher salaries.

Regional differences

Salary often varies depending on where you work. In the Oslo area, salary levels are generally somewhat higher than the national average. In other parts of the country, the difference between the public and private sectors can be significant.

Salary development for graphic designers in recent years

Salary for graphic designers has steadily increased in recent years, driven by the growing demand for digital designers and specialists. According to SSB, the average salary for graphic designers has increased by about 11% from 2021 to 2025, primarily driven by digitalization and new types of services related to branding, social media, and user experiences (SSB Statistics Bank).

Career opportunities and typical workplaces

A graphic designer can work in advertising agencies, media houses, publishing, design agencies, in-house marketing departments, or run their own business. In addition to traditional graphic design tasks, there is increasing demand for expertise in digital marketing, web and app design, animation, and illustration. Particularly, UX/UI designers (user experience/user interface) have experienced strong salary growth in recent years.

Are you looking for relevant positions? With Lønna.no, you can easily find job openings as a graphic designer and compare salary levels across industries and workplaces. The service also helps you write applications and build a professional CV tailored to the design industry.

How to increase your salary as a graphic designer

• Expand your skills: Learn the tools that are in high demand, such as Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and tools for animation/web design.
• Build a portfolio: A strong digital portfolio makes it easier to negotiate salary or take on larger projects.
• Specialize: If you gain deeper expertise in UX/UI, digital illustration, or branding, you will be more attractive in the job market.
• Participate in networks and professional communities: Active contributions in industry organizations and professional networks provide more opportunities and attractive offers.

Summary

The average annual salary for a graphic designer in Norway in 2025 is around 570 000 kroner, but individual salaries vary significantly. Both experience, education, and local job market conditions play a role. There are many opportunities for exciting career paths and salary development within graphic design, especially for those who stay professionally updated and are open to further development.

On Lønna.no, you can find job openings, check salary levels in real time, and get the tools you need to succeed in the design industry.

Sources

• Utdanning.no: Graphic designer – salary and working conditions
• SSB Statistics Bank: Table 11418 Salary levels by occupation
• Visma Blog: Salary as a graphic designer