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Graphic Design Degree Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Designer

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$65 - $85/hr

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Exhibit/Interior Design, Visual Communication, or related field preferred. * Seasoned professionals - strong portfolio showcasing creative, production-ready work ...

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Exhibit/Interior Design, Visual Communication, or related field preferred. * Seasoned professionals - strong portfolio showcasing creative, production-ready work ...

Senior Graphic Designer

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$53K - $84K/yr

... degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Business, or equivalent o 6+ years of professional design experience and leading and managing brands (agency or in-house) o Portfolio ...

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Graphic Design Degree information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$12

$26

$42

How much do graphic design degree jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for graphic design degree in Rochester, NY is $26.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $30.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graphic design degree?

A Graphic Design Degree is an academic program that teaches students the principles and techniques of visual communication. Students learn to use digital and traditional tools to create designs for print, web, advertising, branding, and more. The degree typically covers subjects such as typography, color theory, layout, illustration, and software like Adobe Creative Suite. Graduates are prepared for careers in areas like advertising, marketing, publishing, and digital media. Many programs also include portfolio development to help students showcase their work to potential employers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graphic designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graphic Designer, you need a strong foundation in visual communication, typography, color theory, and typically a degree in graphic design or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and knowledge of digital asset management systems are essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration and communication skills help designers stand out in team settings and client interactions. These skills and qualities ensure the creation of compelling, effective visual content that meets client objectives and project requirements.

What types of collaborative projects can I expect to work on as a graphic designer with a degree, and how do these projects typically impact my professional development?

As a graphic designer with a degree, you will frequently collaborate on projects such as designing marketing campaigns, creating brand identities, or developing digital assets alongside copywriters, marketers, and web developers. These team-based projects not only enhance your communication and project management skills but also expose you to different perspectives and creative processes. Working collaboratively helps you build a versatile portfolio and develop professional relationships that can open doors to advancement opportunities within agencies, in-house teams, or freelance work.

What is the difference between Graphic Design Degree vs Graphic Design Certificate?

AspectGraphic Design DegreeGraphic Design Certificate
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related fieldCertificate program or short-term course
Work EnvironmentDesign agencies, in-house teams, freelanceFreelance, internships, entry-level roles
Industry UsageWidely recognized for full-time rolesSupplementary or entry-level positions

In summary, a Graphic Design Degree provides comprehensive education and is often required for full-time roles, while a Graphic Design Certificate offers targeted skills for entry-level positions or skill enhancement. Both can be valuable depending on your career goals.

Is a graphic design degree worth it?

A graphic design degree can enhance skills in visual communication, software proficiency, and industry standards, which are valuable for many design roles. However, practical experience, a strong portfolio, and proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite are often equally important for employment in the field.

What jobs can I do with a graphic design degree?

A graphic design degree prepares individuals for roles such as graphic designer, visual designer, art director, or brand identity designer. These jobs involve creating visual content for print, digital media, advertising, and branding, often requiring proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite and an understanding of design principles.

What jobs does a graphic design degree get you?

A graphic design degree can lead to roles such as graphic designer, visual designer, art director, or brand identity designer. These jobs typically involve creating visual content using tools like Adobe Creative Suite and may require a strong portfolio and understanding of design principles. Opportunities exist in advertising, marketing, publishing, and digital media industries.

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Graphic Design Degree jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Graphic Design Degree job openings:

Infographic showing various Graphic Design Degree job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,205 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Graphic Designer

MSM Inc.

Rochester, NY โ€ข On-site

$65 - $85/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design and prepare large-format graphics for trade shows, branded environments, event signage, and experiential installations.

  • Collaborate with exhibit designers, project managers, and production partners to ensure graphics are integrated into 3D environments and physical assets.

  • Review proofs, vendor samples, and production outputs for quality control, accuracy, and manufacturability prior to event delivery.


Job description

MSM is seeking a talentedGraphic Designer/Production Artist to join our team! All levels of experience welcome, from recent graduate through seasoned professional. If you are just starting your career in graphic design and are interested in learning more about a role in trade shows and events, we would love to mentor you.

MSM is a passionate, woman-owned experiential agency. We bring brands to life through strategy, award-winning experience design, and flawless execution for trade shows, events, branded environments, and customer engagements.

We deliver with genuine passion and are committed to exceeding expectations and creating exceptional customer experiences. Our service culture means we:

  • Thrive in a demanding environment
  • Build meaningful relationships
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude and adapt to change
  • Set high standards and strive to exceed
Ideal Candidate Attributes

Youโ€™re more than a Graphic Designer โ€“ you're process-minded, detail-obsessed, and eager to partner across functions, delivering show-stopping exhibit design with compelling graphics. The right candidate will:

  • Focus on process & quality excellence : Create consistent, production-ready files.
  • Embrace the bigger picture : Learn how graphic design intersects with fabrication, lighting, interactivity, and spatial design for trade shows and beyond.
  • Adapt and innovate under pressure: Respond confidently to changing priorities, tight timelines, and unexpected challenges while finding practical, creative solutions.
  • Champion continuous improvement: Seek feedback, refine processes and creative approaches, and identify opportunities to elevate quality, efficiency, and client impact.
Graphic Designer/Production Artist Role:

As a vital member of MSMโ€™s creative team, you will learn how to:

  • Design/layoutlarge-format graphicsfor tradeshow exhibits, branded environments, event signage, and experiential installations.
  • Prepare high-impact visualsโ€”including booth graphics, wayfinding systems, banners, and environmental graphicsโ€”aligned with brand standards and event goals.
  • Collaborate with exhibit designers, project managers, and production partners to ensure seamless integration of graphics into 3D environments and physical assets.
  • Produce precise, print-ready artworkโ€”set up correct color profiles, bleeds, resolutions, dielines, and large-scale output requirements for diverse substrates and fabrication methods.
  • Adapt creative concepts to a variety of spatial layouts, ensuring visuals remain legible, on-brand, and engaging at any scale.
  • Review proofs, vendor samples, and production outputs for quality control, accuracy, and manufacturability prior to event delivery.
  • Stay current on trends, materials, and advances in tradeshow and environmental graphic production .
Required Skills and Experience:
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Graphic Design, Exhibit/Interior Design, Visual Communication, or related field preferred.
  • Seasoned professionals - strong portfolio showcasing creative, production-ready workโ€”exhibit/tradeshow design work is highly valued.
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite required.
  • Experience with CAD/3D tools (AutoCAD, Vectorworks, 3ds Max, SketchUp) is a plus.
  • Ability to design for large format, physical spaces, and digital/presentation media a plus.
  • Excellent artistic, organizational, and communication skills required.
  • Experience in agency, exhibit/tradeshow, or production-facing environments a plus.

The initial compensation offered may be outside of this range and will be determined by multiple factors, including the applicantโ€™s job-related skills, relevant experience, and education. This role offers significant opportunities for growth in terms of role development and compensation.

Compensation Range: $65,000 - $85,000

If youโ€™re a creative visionary with a passion for tradeshow exhibits, branded environments, graphics, or presentations, we encourage you to apply and help us craft unforgettable brand experiences for our clients.

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