Electrical Engineer vs Graphic Designer Salary

Pay range, not just the median

The medians hide most of what matters. Electrical Engineer pay runs from roughly $66,000 at the low end to $152,000 at the high end; Graphic Designer runs $37,600 to $103,030. Where you land inside that band depends far more on specialization, employer, and metro than on the job title.

Where each field is heading

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects Electrical Engineer employment to grow 9% over the decade to 2034 — growing faster than average — against growth of 2% for Graphic Designer.

Growth rate is not the same thing as opportunity. Electrical Engineer roles see roughly 22,700 openings a year and Graphic Designer roles about 20,000, counting replacements for people who retire or leave. Electrical Engineer has the larger raw number, which is usually what you feel when actually job hunting — a small field growing fast can still be harder to break into than a large flat one.

Moving between the two

Crossing between Engineering and Design means rebuilding credentials and network from close to zero — the day-to-day skills do not carry, and neither does the résumé. Electronics and computer engineers overlap heavily and move between roles easily; power-systems specialists need additional training to shift into semiconductor or RF design. Skills transfer directly to UX/UI design, marketing, and web design; a strong portfolio matters more than credentials for lateral moves.

If you are entering rather than switching: Electrical Engineer — Earn an ABET-accredited bachelor's in electrical engineering, complete internships/co-ops, then enter industry — PE licensure only needed for public utility or consulting work. Graphic Designer — Earn a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field and build a portfolio; many break in through freelance gigs or internships rather than a single employer track.