Graphic Design Jobs in France: Opportunities, Salaries & How to Land One

Where to find graphic design jobs in France (cities & platforms)

France's creative hubs include Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Nantes and Bordeaux, with Paris remaining the biggest market for agencies, luxury brands and media companies. Look beyond job boards: advertising and design agencies, in-house creative teams, tech startups and fashion houses all hire designers. Key platforms to search include LinkedIn, Indeed, Welcome to the Jungle, APEC for experienced hires, and Glassdoor. For freelance and creative-specific leads, check Behance, Dribbble, Malt, Creativepool and local Facebook/Meetup groups. Attend industry events and portfolio reviews like Paris Design Week or local meetups to network directly with art directors and agency recruiters.

Skills, portfolio and salary expectations

Employers typically expect strong fundamentals: typography, layout, branding, and print production, plus fluency in tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma. UI/UX, motion design, and web skills are increasingly in demand. Build a portfolio of case studies that show process, not just final visuals: problem, approach, deliverables and measurable results. Salary benchmarks (gross per year): junior designers 25,000–32,000 EUR, mid-level 32,000–45,000 EUR, senior designers or art directors 45,000–70,000+ EUR. Freelance day rates commonly range from 250–600 EUR depending on experience and specialty; UX and motion designers often command higher rates. Remember French payroll taxes and social charges when comparing offers.

Work culture, contracts, language and practical tips to land the job

French work culture includes benefits like the 35-hour workweek, generous paid leave and a formal hiring process. Most permanent roles use CDI contracts, with temporary CDD positions and growing hybrid or remote options. For non-EU applicants, explore visa routes such as the Passeport Talent or freelance self-employed permits; employers and immigration advisors can help. Practical tips: have a concise CV and cover letter (translate to French if possible), tailor applications to the role, prepare a digital portfolio with case studies, and collect references. Improve conversational French to at least B1–B2 for better hiring prospects outside international startups. Negotiate salary based on market data, and consider internships or short contracts to get a French work reference early in your career.