2142 Graphic and multimedia designers

In short

• ONS unit group 2142, in minor group 214 (Web and multimedia design professionals) and major group 2 (Professional occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): On the list: Table 1, Table 2.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £33,400 (£17.13 per hour)
  • Table 2, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £26,200 (£13.44 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Graphic and multimedia designers use illustrative, sound, visual and multimedia techniques to convey a message for information, entertainment, advertising, promotion or publicity purposes, and create special visual effects, 3D models and animations for computer games, film, interactive and other media.

Typical entry routes

Entrants have usually completed a foundation course, a BTEC/SQA award, a degree and/or postgraduate qualification. NVQs/SVQs in Design (in various disciplines) are available at levels 2 and 3. Portfolio work is also important for entry.

Tasks

• liaises with client to clarify aims of project brief, discusses media, software and technology to be used, establishes timetable for project and defines budgetary constraints
• undertakes research into project, considers previous related projects and compares costs of using different processes
• prepares sketches, scale drawings, models, colour schemes and other mock-ups to show clients and discusses any required alterations
• prepares specification and instructions for realisation of the project
• liaises with other parts of the production team to ensure graphic design fits with other elements, processes and timescales
• produces or oversees creation of the final product

Related job titles

• 3D artist
• Animator (computing/IT)
• Compositor (special effects)
• Creative design assistant
• Graphic artist
• Graphic designer
• Visual effects supervisor

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1: Eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates based on median Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data

SOC 2020 occupation code

2142 Graphic and multimedia designers

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Multimedia animators
• Graphic and multimedia designers not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Table 2: Eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates based on 25th percentile Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data

SOC 2020 occupation code

2142 Graphic and multimedia designers

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

2431, 3411, 3421, 3422, 3550, 5421

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Multimedia animators
• Graphic and multimedia designers not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£26,200 (£13.44 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Other unit groups in minor group 214

• 2141 Web design professionals

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

All 412 occupation codes

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