A high salary does not necessarily mean high satisfaction.
After graduation, design and applied arts graduates typically earn high salaries compared to the national average. Top earners make $75,353, while the bottom 20% make closer to $31,283. The median grad salary is $48,552.
Design and Applied Arts graduate salaries over time
The typical early career salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in design and applied arts is $37,250, and within five years of graduation, this average salary goes up to $44,739.
This chart maps the average workforce wage by years of experience:
Wage ($USD)
Wage Range Median Wage
Years of work experience
Pro tip
Still unsure if a degree in design and applied arts is your calling? Read our comprehensive guide on choosing a career
