Print production artists

• Print production artists work under the supervision of a graphic designer, taking the designs and producing finished layout files that can be successfully printed. The average salary for a print production artist is $43,000. This figure is based on 400 responses to the AIGA Aquent survey of design salaries for 2010. Average salaries vary by the industry in which the production artist works, with those in advertising earning $45,000, while those in publishing earned far less at $35,000. AIGA Aquent also reports regional average salary differences, with Los Angeles production artists earning $50,000 per year, while in New York City the average salary for 2010 was $55,000.
  
  

Print Graphic Designer

• Graphic designers working in layout and design are responsible for the creation of visual communication solutions for their clients or employer. They create the design of books and magazines, as well as printed materials such as menus and brochures. The average salary for graphic designers working in the publishing industry is $41,600, with those in the printing industry earning $40,940 per year. Graphic designers working in the advertising and public relations industry fare better with an average salary of $48,210 per year. These salary figures are from the BLS as of May, 2009.
  
  

Art Directors

• Art directors create the design style for a project or publication and direct the work of graphic designers and production artists. They also direct the work of outside vendors such as photographers and illustrators. Art directors working in the publishing industry earn an average salary of $65,000, according to the AIGA Aquent 2010 survey. It is noteworthy that the average art director salary for all graphic design disciplines is higher at $70,000 per year; this salary figure includes jobs beyond the layout and design category, such as website design.