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Visual Communications Employment Outlook

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A degree in visual communications will give you the skills to enter the field of graphic, web, and digital media design. Designers are creative thinkers and problem solvers who create visual solutions that meet their clients' needs. The designer's process involves analyzing, brainstorming, and developing concepts that address the client's need to inform or market to a target audience in a visually compelling way.

Graphic designers prepare artwork and designs for many purposes and in a variety of media. Some examples include brochures, logos, business identity systems, advertisements, product packaging, web sites, user interface, motion graphics, and interactive displays.

Graphic design occupations are currently balanced in Northwest Washington. As an entry-level designer in Whatcom County, you may be hired in the low range of $18.43 to the median range of $33.60 per hour (source: Career One Stop 2023). Recent visual communications program graduates reported graphic design wages ranging from $13.51 to $25 per hour (WCC Prof-Tech alumni surveys 2020-2021). Higher wages may be found outside of Whatcom county.

Many graphic designers opt to work as freelance designers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, about 19 percent of graphic designers were self-employed.

Employers

Recent program graduates have been hired by local and regional employers, including:

  • Amjay Screen Printing Inc.
  • Applied Digital Imaging
  • Bear Creek Photography & Design
  • Boundary Bay Brewery
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
  • Community Food Co-op
  • FaithLife
  • FastCap LLC
  • ioCreative
  • Lithtex Northwest
  • Northwest Custom Signs & Graphics
  • Skagit Publishing
  • The Lones Group

Career advancement

With work experience and/or the acquisition of additional higher educational credentials in graphic design or a related field, graphic designers may advance to take on more complex creative and consultative responsibilities with clients, while possibly also supervising and/or giving guidance to other designers. With additional education, some graphic designers may advance into art or creative director positions.