Career Paths
Careers in Design
Graphic & Web Design covers a lot of ground. The skills you build apply to digital media, branding, marketing, web work, and user experience, whether a job leans creative, technical, or strategic.
At North Idaho College, the GDES program helps students build a portfolio and the confidence to move into design-related roles. Between hands-on coursework, real projects, internships, and the annual portfolio show, you graduate with work you can show and skills you can use.
Pay ranges and day-to-day task summaries below are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS) and O*NET, and are kept current with each data refresh.
What Can You Do With a Design Education?
A background in graphic and web design leads to a lot of different jobs. The outcomes below are tracked by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and reflect roles GDES graduates are prepared to pursue.
Designers, All Other
$60k–$122kSOC 27-1029
Web and Digital Interface Designers
$50k–$99kSOC 15-1255
Web Developers
$61k–$97kSOC 15-1254
Editors
$60k–$95kSOC 27-3041
Special Effects Artists and Animators
$63k–$88kSOC 27-1014
Art Directors
$79k–$81kSOC 27-1011
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
$46k–$77kSOC 13-1161
Public Relations Specialists
$44k–$75kSOC 27-3031
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
$39k–$71kSOC 27-4031
Graphic Designers
$45k–$63kSOC 27-1024
Photographers
$28k–$45kSOC 27-4021
SOC 27-1029
Designers, All Other
Apply creative and technical design skills across a wide range of industries and emerging media that may not fit within a single traditional design category. Professionals in this field develop visual concepts, branded experiences, digital content, products, environments, and multimedia assets that support communication, marketing, entertainment, and user engagement goals. Careers may include interdisciplinary work involving graphic design, interactive media, motion graphics, experiential design, product visualization, creative technology, and other evolving areas of the design industry. Designers in this category often collaborate with creative teams, developers, marketers, and clients to produce innovative visual solutions using modern design tools and technologies.
Pay
$60k–$122k
Median: $95k
BLS OEWS May 2025 · National
SOC 15-1255
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Design and build the websites, interfaces, and digital experiences people use every day. Professionals in this field combine creativity, user experience (UX), and technical problem-solving to create websites and applications that are visually engaging, accessible, and easy to use. Work often includes designing layouts, planning user flows, conducting user research, collaborating with developers, and helping organizations improve their online presence, branding, and digital communication. Web and Digital Interface Designers may work in industries ranging from marketing and media to e-commerce, education, technology, and business.
Pay
$50k–$99k
Median: $64k
BLS OEWS May 2025 · Idaho
Day-to-day
- Identify problems uncovered by testing or customer feedback, and correct problems or refer problems to appropriate personnel for correction.
- Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.
- Write supporting code for Web applications or Web sites.
- Perform Web site tests according to planned schedules, or after any Web site or product revision.
- Collaborate with web development professionals, such as front-end or back-end developers, to complete the full scope of Web development projects.
- Develop new visual design concepts and modify concepts based on stakeholder feedback.
SOC 15-1254
Web Developers
Build and maintain the websites and web applications that power modern businesses and organizations. Web Developers use programming languages, frameworks, databases, and content management systems to create responsive, secure, and functional digital experiences. Responsibilities often include front-end development, back-end programming, database integration, troubleshooting, performance optimization, and ensuring compatibility across browsers and devices. Web Developers frequently collaborate with designers, content creators, and IT professionals to deliver websites and applications that meet user needs and business goals across industries such as technology, marketing, education, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Pay
$61k–$97k
Median: $79k
BLS OEWS May 2025 · Idaho
Day-to-day
- Write supporting code for Web applications or Web sites.
- Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.
- Back up files from Web sites to local directories for instant recovery in case of problems.
- Select programming languages, design tools, or applications.
- Evaluate code to ensure that it is valid, is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers, devices, or operating systems.
- Develop databases that support Web applications and Web sites.
SOC 27-3041
Editors
Shape and refine written content for print, digital media, marketing, publishing, and communications. Editors review and improve writing for clarity, accuracy, style, grammar, and audience engagement while ensuring content meets publication standards and deadlines. Professionals in this field work closely with writers, designers, and production teams to develop articles, marketing materials, websites, publications, scripts, and multimedia content. Editors may also oversee content planning, fact-checking, layout coordination, and publishing workflows across industries such as media, education, business, marketing, and digital communications.
Pay
$60k–$95k
Median: $77k
BLS OEWS May 2025 · National
Day-to-day
- Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
- Write text, such as headlines, stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters.
- Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
- Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.
- Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.
- Allocate print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles.
SOC 27-1014
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Create animated visuals, motion graphics, and digital effects used in film, television, video games, advertising, social media, and interactive media. Special Effects Artists and Animators combine creativity, storytelling, and technical skills to design characters, environments, simulations, and visual effects that bring ideas to life through motion. Professionals in this field use industry-standard software to produce 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics, visual effects, compositing, and multimedia content while collaborating with creative teams, producers, designers, and developers. Careers can be found in entertainment, marketing, game development, education, media production, and digital content creation.
Pay
$63k–$88k
Median: $78k
BLS OEWS May 2025 · National
Day-to-day
- Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
- Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
- Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.
- Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.
- Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
- Apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create storyboards that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters.
SOC 27-1011
Art Directors
Create and lead the visual direction of advertising campaigns, brands, publications, digital media, and multimedia productions. Art Directors oversee the creative process by guiding design teams, developing visual concepts, and ensuring projects communicate effectively while meeting client goals and brand standards. Professionals in this field collaborate with designers, photographers, writers, developers, videographers, and marketing teams to produce engaging visual experiences across print, web, video, animation, and interactive media. Responsibilities often include managing creative projects, presenting concepts to clients, supervising production, and staying current with emerging design trends and technologies.
Pay
$79k–$81k
Median: $81k
BLS OEWS May 2025 · Idaho
Day-to-day
- Work with creative directors to develop design solutions.
- Present final layouts to clients for approval.
- Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.
- Confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and presentation concepts and to coordinate creative activities.
- Confer with clients to determine objectives, budget, background information, and presentation approaches, styles, and techniques.
- Formulate basic layout design or presentation approach and specify material details, such as style and size of type, photographs, graphics, animation, video, and sound.
SOC 13-1161
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Research consumer behavior, market trends, and audience data to help organizations make informed business and marketing decisions. Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists collect and analyze data related to customer preferences, purchasing habits, demographics, and industry trends to identify opportunities for growth and improve marketing strategies. Professionals in this field often create reports, interpret analytics, evaluate advertising performance, and collaborate with business, sales, and creative teams to develop effective campaigns and communication strategies. Careers exist across industries including business, technology, retail, healthcare, education, media, and digital marketing.
Pay
$46k–$77k
Median: $60k
BLS OEWS May 2025 · Coeur d'Alene MSA
Day-to-day
- Prepare reports of findings, illustrating data graphically and translating complex findings into written text.
- Seek and provide information to help companies determine their position in the marketplace.
- Conduct research on consumer opinions and marketing strategies, collaborating with marketing professionals, statisticians, pollsters, and other professionals.
- Collect and analyze data on customer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits to identify potential markets and factors affecting product demand.
- Devise and evaluate methods and procedures for collecting data, such as surveys, opinion polls, or questionnaires, or arrange to obtain existing data.
- Gather data on competitors and analyze their prices, sales, and method of marketing and distribution.
SOC 27-3031
Public Relations Specialists
Manage communication between organizations and the public to build trust, strengthen reputation, and promote positive engagement. Public Relations Specialists create media content, write press releases, manage social media messaging, coordinate events, and respond to public or media inquiries. Professionals in this field work closely with leadership, marketing teams, community organizations, and the media to communicate key messages, support branding efforts, and maintain strong relationships with audiences. Careers can be found in business, government, education, nonprofit organizations, healthcare, entertainment, and marketing agencies.
Pay
$44k–$75k
Median: $55k
BLS OEWS May 2025 · Coeur d'Alene MSA
Day-to-day
- Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
- Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
- Post and update content on the company's Web site and social media outlets.
- Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
- Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
- Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.
SOC 27-4031
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Capture video and visual content for television, film, advertising, live events, digital media, and online platforms. Camera Operators use professional camera equipment, lighting techniques, composition, and movement to create visually compelling footage that supports storytelling and communication goals. Professionals in this field work closely with directors, producers, editors, and production crews to plan shots, manage technical settings, and achieve desired visual effects during filming. Careers may include work in broadcasting, filmmaking, sports media, marketing, journalism, social media content creation, and commercial video production.
Pay
$39k–$71k
Median: $58k
BLS OEWS May 2025 · Idaho
Day-to-day
- Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
- Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
- Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
- Confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements.
- Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
- Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
SOC 27-1024
Graphic Designers
Create visual content that communicates ideas, tells stories, and strengthens brands across print and digital media. Graphic Designers combine creativity, typography, color theory, and layout design to develop logos, advertisements, social media graphics, packaging, publications, and marketing materials. Professionals in this field work closely with clients, marketing teams, and other creatives to produce designs that are both visually compelling and strategically effective. Graphic Designers may work in advertising, publishing, web design, business, media production, and many other creative industries.
Pay
$45k–$63k
Median: $50k
BLS OEWS May 2025 · Coeur d'Alene MSA
Day-to-day
- Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.
- Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.
- Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
- Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
- Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
- Use computer software to generate new images.
SOC 27-4021
Photographers
Capture and produce professional photographs for artistic, commercial, journalistic, marketing, and personal use. Photographers use lighting, composition, camera equipment, and editing software to create compelling visual images that communicate stories, document events, promote products, or preserve memories. Professionals in this field may work in portrait, commercial, product, sports, event, fashion, journalism, or fine art photography while collaborating with clients, creative teams, and businesses to achieve specific visual goals. Responsibilities often include photo editing, equipment setup, image retouching, digital asset management, and managing photography projects from planning through final delivery.
Pay
$28k–$45k
Median: $33k
BLS OEWS May 2025 · Idaho
Day-to-day
- Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
- Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
- Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
- Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
- Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
- Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
Alumni
Where Graduates Work
The pay ranges above describe the market. This is the record from our own students' profiles: 19 placements at 19 employers, from final-semester internships to full-time work after graduation.
Class of 2026
Graphic Designer and Sales Asociate
Sand Creek Custom Wear
Class of 2026
Graphic Designer
American Indian Student Support
And 11 more
How the GDES Program Prepares Students
A strong design career starts with a body of work, not a job title. Students learn to think through a problem, make something, revise it, and present the result.
Hands-On Coursework
Students build real projects across branding, print, web, digital design, UX, and motion.
See the Pathway →Portfolio Development
Students graduate with a body of work that reflects their skills, interests, and creative direction.
View Student Work →Internships & Professional Experience
Internship opportunities help students connect classroom learning to real-world expectations and workplace experience.
Learn About Internships →The Portfolio Show
The annual portfolio show gives students the chance to present their work publicly and demonstrate their readiness for the next step.
Explore Portfolio Shows →Industry Connection
Through partnerships, critiques, and advisory input, students gain exposure to professional expectations and current industry practices.
Meet the Advisory Committee →Design Skills Apply Across Many Industries
Designers are needed in more places than many people realize. Students may begin in one area and grow into another. A graphic designer may move into branding or marketing. A web designer may transition into UX or front-end work. A content designer may build a freelance business.
The strength of a design education is that it opens multiple paths.
Build a Portfolio With Purpose
In design, showing your work matters. Employers, clients, collaborators, and transfer institutions want to see what you can actually make.
That is why portfolio development is a big part of GDES. Students graduate with work that shows what they can do and where they want to take it next.
See What GDES Students Create
Explore student projects, portfolio show work, and the courses that help shape creative careers.