Graphic design is an important asset for any company. But, how much does graphic design cost? Well, this question can feel tricky because it doesn’t have a single answer. Graphic designing cost like any other service cost depends on a lot of factors.
Asking someone a graphic designer’s salary or cost without considering all the factors and understanding design service is like visiting a showroom for the first time and asking how much a car costs. It seems pointless, right?
Just like vehicles, design services come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of complexity. The cost depends on various factors, such as the type of project, the level of customization, and the designer’s expertise.
This blog post will provide you with everything you need to know about an average graphic designer’s salary in 2025, how it varies with service type, location, and how much you pay your graphic designer depending on the service you need.
Why are Graphic Designer Service Costs so Varied?
Graphic design is a diverse skill set that is the reason its cost depends on many factors. We all know that a simple Google search gives you a mini heart attack by saying that a graphic designer charges between $15 to $150 per hour.
That’s not all many of you do not know that there are many ways to outsource your design work other than freelancing platforms. Let’s get into it and discuss each factor one by one.
How Much You Should Pay for a Graphic Design Service?
When it comes to graphic design pricing, understanding the different options available is key. Here’s a closer look at four common types of design services, their average costs, and what to consider before making a decision.
1. Freelancers
Freelancers are independent professionals who work with multiple clients. They’re often specialized in specific areas of design, making them a great choice for targeted projects like branding or illustration.
Pros:
- Access to niche expertise.
- Flexibility to hire for specific projects.
Cons:
- Finding the right freelancer can take time.
- Costs can escalate with ongoing design needs.
Freelance Graphic Designer Rates in 2025
- Upwork: $15–$35/hour
- ZipRecruiter: $32 per hour
- Fiverr: Beginners would charge $25-$50/hour, and on average $60 per hour
- Shillington: $45 per hour
Tip: To avoid working with inexperienced designers, plan to budget around $35–$40 per hour for a reliable freelancer. In this way, you can test their work without wasting your time and money.
You may want to know: How to Hire a Freelance Graphic Designer: Detailed Guide
Factors Influencing Freelance Costs:
- Experience: A beginner or junior graphic designer will always charge less than a senior one. Senior freelancers may also act as strategists, guiding creative direction.
- Entry-level designers: $20–$30/hour
- Senior designers with specialized skills: $70–$100/hour
- Location: Rates vary significantly by region—designers in developing countries often charge significantly less than their counterparts in the US or Western Europe.
- Project Scope: Complex projects, like logo design or website creation, generally cost more than simpler tasks like social media graphics.
- Social Media Graphics: $50–$200/project
- Flyers or Brochures: $150–$400/project
- Logo Design: $300–$1,500/project
2. Design Agencies
Design agencies bring together a team of designers with varying expertise. This option is ideal for businesses needing high-quality, large-scale projects. As they have multiple hands with different expertise, it can help you get the best service for each task you provide them.
Typical Rates:
- Junior Designers: $50 per hour
- Senior Designers: $75–$150 per hour
For substantial projects, such as web design or marketing campaigns, agencies often charge per project, with costs ranging from several thousand dollars upwards. In short, you get quality and specialized service but at a bit high price.
When to Choose an Agency Over a Freelancer:
Agencies are best for large projects requiring additional services like content writing, SEO optimization, or web development. However, they are often the most expensive option.
Also Read: How a Graphic Design Assistant Can Boost Your Productivity
3. In-House Designers
Hiring a full-time designer can be a good option for you if you have consistent design needs. However, this route comes with long-term commitments.
Key Considerations:
- Costs Beyond Salary: Annual leave, sick pay, taxes, and administrative costs can add up.
- Salary Benchmarks: According to Indeed, the average salary for US graphic designers is $60,825 per year, while the National Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a median salary of $58,910.
Is It Right for You?
If your business doesn’t have enough design work to justify a full-time role, hiring an in-house designer may not be cost-effective. It will cost you more. In this case, a freelance designer would work best for you.
4. Subscription-Based Design Services
Subscription-based services offer unlimited graphic design at a fixed monthly rate, providing a predictable and scalable solution. If you have a business where you need design services casually, but consistently for a specific period of time. You can opt for this option, and unsubscribe from the offer when you don’t need it.
How It Works:
Think of it as Netflix for design—you pay a flat fee and request as many designs as needed.
Average Monthly Rates:
- Market Range: $400–$2,000 per month
- ManyPixels Plans:
- Advanced: $549/month
- Business: $999/month
- Dedicated Designer: $1,299/month
Why Choose Subscription Services?
- Scalability: Adjust your plan based on changing needs.
- Budget Predictability: Costs remain the same regardless of the number of requests.
5. Dedicated Graphic Designer Assistant Service
If all these options seem like a big ballpark to you, you can hire a remote graphic designer assistant from any renowned outsourcing company. With an outsourcing company, you don’t need to worry about the hiring process, monitoring, and payment schedules. You just pay for your work and they handle the rest.
Finding a trusted outsourcing company is another challenge but what if we tell you the best and BBB-accredited outsourcing company to work with? WorkStaff360 is the only BBB-accredited outsourcing company in Canada that offers experienced graphic designer assistants at affordable rates.
Pricing:
- WorkStaff360 Graphic Designer Assistant pricing starts from $8/hour.
If you are looking for more assistants other than graphic designers read more about WorkStaff360 vs. Belaysolutions: Which Virtual Assistant Service is Best? To make the right decision.
How Much Should You Pay a Graphic Designer for Specific Projects?
If you are working with a designer on a project basis, understanding project-based pricing can help you plan your design budget effectively. Here is a quick breakdown to help you with it:
- Logo Design: It includes website, brand, and shop logos.
- Freelancer: $300–$1,500
- Agency: $2,000–$5,000+
- Subscription Services: Included in plans starting at $400/month
- Flyer Design: It includes any type of marketing Ad, billboard Ad, or flyer.
- Freelancer: $100–$300
- Agency: $500–$1,500
- Subscription Services: Unlimited within the monthly fee
- Web Design: This includes multiple types of images from website design.
- Freelancer: $1,000–$5,000
- Agency: $5,000–$20,000+
- Subscription Services: Depends on plan type and scope
Note: This cost is an estimated average we got after research from several resources.
Also Read: How Much Should You Pay Content Writer in 2025
Best Practices to Save on Graphic Designer Cost
Understanding how much graphic designers charge is key to making informed decisions for your business. From hourly rates to project costs, the spectrum of pricing is vast. But one thing is clear: investing in high-quality graphic design is never a wasted effort. However, here are some proven best practices that help you prevent from overpaying or underpaying your designer.
Calculate Your Income and Profit
Start by figuring out your net profit. Subtract all your expenses, such as salaries, rent, utilities, and taxes, to see what’s left. This will help you understand how much you can allocate to design and marketing without straining your budget.
List Your Fixed Design Expenses
Consider the design tasks you need regularly, like creating weekly newsletters or social media graphics. Use tools like pricing guides or hourly rate calculators to estimate these ongoing costs accurately.
Also Read: How Much Should You Pay a Social Media Assistant in 2025
Identify Variable Design Expenses
Think about the graphics you’ll need for special campaigns. These might include seasonal promotions, Black Friday deals, or other occasional events. Identify how often these occur and the specific types of designs required.
Plan for One-Off Design Projects
Some design projects are major, one-time investments. These include creating a website, designing a logo, or building an app interface. While these come up less frequently, they can have significant costs, so plan accordingly.
Divide Your Budget Strategically
Break down your budget into three categories:
- Fixed expenses for recurring needs.
- Variable costs for occasional campaigns.
- One-off projects for big-ticket items.
With a clear budget, you’ll be in a better position to choose the right design provider, whether that’s hiring a freelancer, working with an agency, or using a design subscription service.
Make the Right Choice for Your Graphic Design Needs
The cost of hiring a graphic designer in 2025 depends on various factors, including the type of service, project scope, and location. For businesses looking for flexibility, freelancers or subscription-based services like those offered by WorkStaff360 provide excellent options. For larger, high-stakes projects, agencies remain the gold standard. Explore WorkStaff360’s graphic design services to find skilled, cost-effective remote graphic designers. Ready to level up your design game? Hire a Graphic Designer with WorkStaff360 Today!
