Graphic Designers vs Training and Development Specialists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Training and Development Specialists professionals earn $4,550 more per year than Graphic Designers professionals — that's 7.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Graphic Designers earns $103,030 compared to $120,190 for Training and Development Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Graphic Designers$37,600 – $103,030
Training and Development Specialists$37,510 – $120,190
$37,510$120,190
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Graphic Designers | Training and Development Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $37,600 | $37,510 | +$90 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,200 | $48,900 | $-1,700 |
| Median (50th) | $61,300 | $65,850 | $-4,550 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,000 | $91,550 | $-12,550 |
| 90th Percentile | $103,030 | $120,190 | $-17,160 |
| Mean (Average) | $68,610 | $73,760 | $-5,150 |
Employment Numbers
Graphic Designers
214,260
employed nationwide
Training and Development Specialists
436,610
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $98,530 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $89,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $82,630 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $82,360 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $78,000 |
Best Cities for Training and Development Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,530 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $92,710 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $92,390 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $82,330 |
| Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT | $79,210 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Graphic Designers or Training and Development Specialists?
Training and Development Specialists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $4,550 (7.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Graphic Designers?
Graphic Designers salaries range from $37,600 (10th percentile) to $103,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,300.
What is the salary range for Training and Development Specialists?
Training and Development Specialists salaries range from $37,510 (10th percentile) to $120,190 (90th percentile), with a median of $65,850.
How many Graphic Designers and Training and Development Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 214,260 Graphic Designers positions and 436,610 Training and Development Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Training and Development Specialists to Graphic Designers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Graphic Designers has a median salary of $61,300 while Training and Development Specialists earns $65,850. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS