Graphic designer salary
BLS occupation: Graphic Designers · Arts, design, media and sports · data for May 2025
Median salary $62,960 a year, US
Median hourly pay $30.27 an hour
Middle half earn $49,040–$81,830 25th to 75th percentile
Graphic designers employed 197,830 −1.7% projected by 2035
How much does a graphic designer make?
- The median graphic designer salary in the US is $62,960 a year ($30.27 an hour): half of the 197,830 graphic designers BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $70,560.
- The middle half earn between $49,040 and $81,830. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $39,520 and the top 10% more than $104,910.
- That is 23% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- The District of Columbia pays graphic designers the most (median $87,920), followed by Rhode Island ($78,220) and New York ($77,340). West Virginia pays the least ($40,350).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia, where the median is worth $79,999 in typical US prices, then Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
- In 97 of the 337 metro areas with data, the median graphic designer salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of graphic designers to shrink 1.7% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 16,000 openings a year. The typical entry education is a bachelor's degree.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what graphic designers are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Graphic designer salary range
Half of graphic designers earn between $49,040 and $81,830 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $39,520
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $49,040
Median Yearly pay: $62,960
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $81,830
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $104,910
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $39,520 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $49,040 |
| Median | $62,960 |
| Top 25% earn over | $81,830 |
| Top 10% earn over | $104,910 |
Graphic designer salary by state
The District of Columbia pays graphic designers the most; West Virginia the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($62,960), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $87,920 median |
| Rhode Island | $78,220 median |
| New York | $77,340 median |
| Massachusetts | $76,710 median |
| California | $75,130 median |
| Maryland | $75,120 median |
| New Jersey | $73,790 median |
| Washington | $72,710 median |
| Connecticut | $72,700 median |
| Virginia | $72,310 median |
| Colorado | $66,330 median |
| Oregon | $66,040 median |
| Vermont | $65,690 median |
| Minnesota | $63,860 median |
| Nevada | $62,890 median |
| Alaska | $62,570 median |
| Illinois | $62,560 median |
| Utah | $62,310 median |
| Florida | $61,660 median |
| Pennsylvania | $60,730 median |
| New Hampshire | $60,490 median |
| Georgia | $60,250 median |
| Texas | $60,150 median |
| Delaware | $60,130 median |
| Ohio | $60,080 median |
| Maine | $60,030 median |
| Wisconsin | $59,900 median |
| Arizona | $58,510 median |
| North Carolina | $58,450 median |
| Hawaii | $58,070 median |
| Michigan | $57,350 median |
| Tennessee | $57,270 median |
| South Carolina | $57,170 median |
| Montana | $56,890 median |
| Missouri | $56,750 median |
| New Mexico | $56,730 median |
| Nebraska | $56,700 median |
| North Dakota | $56,470 median |
| Indiana | $55,480 median |
| Kansas | $53,630 median |
| Oklahoma | $53,630 median |
| Kentucky | $52,960 median |
| Alabama | $51,070 median |
| Idaho | $50,350 median |
| Iowa | $50,310 median |
| Louisiana | $49,910 median |
| South Dakota | $48,390 median |
| Arkansas | $46,220 median |
| Mississippi | $45,640 median |
| Wyoming | $45,150 median |
| West Virginia | $40,350 median |
Where graphic designer pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Graphic designers' pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $79,999 |
| Rhode Island | $76,476 |
| Massachusetts | $72,534 |
| New York | $71,664 |
| Maryland | $71,571 |
| Virginia | $71,520 |
| Connecticut | $70,167 |
| Washington | $67,945 |
| California | $67,856 |
| New Jersey | $67,819 |
Graphic designer pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $87,920 | $42.27 | $62,240 | $136,660 | 1,150 | $79,999 |
| Rhode Island | $78,220 | $37.61 | $49,330 | $107,580 | 750 | $76,476 |
| New York | $77,340 | $37.18 | $43,680 | $131,250 | 14,530 | $71,664 |
| Massachusetts | $76,710 | $36.88 | $47,830 | $108,970 | 4,450 | $72,534 |
| California | $75,130 | $36.12 | $46,190 | $129,560 | 27,390 | $67,856 |
| Maryland | $75,120 | $36.12 | $44,810 | $109,630 | 3,050 | $71,571 |
| New Jersey | $73,790 | $35.48 | $47,490 | $122,940 | 5,670 | $67,819 |
| Washington | $72,710 | $34.96 | $47,780 | $115,210 | 3,960 | $67,945 |
| Connecticut | $72,700 | $34.95 | $47,420 | $106,830 | 1,930 | $70,167 |
| Virginia | $72,310 | $34.76 | $39,020 | $121,680 | 4,740 | $71,520 |
| Colorado | $66,330 | $31.89 | $47,030 | $118,560 | 4,200 | $64,366 |
| Oregon | $66,040 | $31.75 | $45,260 | $170,680 | 4,140 | $63,893 |
| Vermont | $65,690 | $31.58 | $42,640 | $123,500 | 410 | $67,059 |
| Minnesota | $63,860 | $30.70 | $42,690 | $96,960 | 5,570 | $64,753 |
| Nevada | $62,890 | $30.24 | $39,470 | $88,890 | 1,570 | $62,903 |
| Alaska | $62,570 | $30.08 | $39,380 | $103,440 | 180 | $61,128 |
| Illinois | $62,560 | $30.08 | $36,060 | $98,750 | 8,960 | $62,586 |
| Utah | $62,310 | $29.96 | $39,170 | $96,810 | 2,720 | $63,026 |
| Florida | $61,660 | $29.64 | $39,810 | $101,860 | 12,660 | $59,624 |
| Pennsylvania | $60,730 | $29.20 | $39,430 | $102,090 | 8,150 | $62,241 |
| New Hampshire | $60,490 | $29.08 | $47,030 | $95,680 | 790 | $58,071 |
| Georgia | $60,250 | $28.97 | $34,860 | $100,110 | 5,920 | $62,569 |
| Texas | $60,150 | $28.92 | $36,340 | $92,910 | 13,670 | $61,974 |
| Delaware | $60,130 | $28.91 | $41,040 | $92,920 | 360 | $60,246 |
| Ohio | $60,080 | $28.88 | $39,050 | $99,370 | 7,280 | $64,760 |
| Maine | $60,030 | $28.86 | $39,160 | $79,000 | 560 | $61,855 |
| Wisconsin | $59,900 | $28.80 | $42,680 | $85,050 | 4,130 | $63,659 |
| Arizona | $58,510 | $28.13 | $43,780 | $88,590 | 3,560 | $58,117 |
| North Carolina | $58,450 | $28.10 | $37,680 | $95,380 | 5,660 | $61,966 |
| Hawaii | $58,070 | $27.92 | $31,890 | $91,080 | 520 | $52,814 |
| Michigan | $57,350 | $27.57 | $38,770 | $86,320 | 6,070 | $59,605 |
| Tennessee | $57,270 | $27.53 | $37,910 | $92,540 | 3,880 | $62,338 |
| South Carolina | $57,170 | $27.49 | $37,190 | $90,000 | 1,930 | $60,982 |
| Montana | $56,890 | $27.35 | $37,790 | $104,780 | 610 | $60,109 |
| Missouri | $56,750 | $27.28 | $36,950 | $83,270 | 4,500 | $62,488 |
| New Mexico | $56,730 | $27.27 | $35,400 | $75,680 | 850 | $61,521 |
| Nebraska | $56,700 | $27.26 | $37,440 | $78,840 | 1,670 | $62,928 |
| North Dakota | $56,470 | $27.15 | $37,610 | $75,700 | 460 | $63,479 |
| Indiana | $55,480 | $26.67 | $38,520 | $98,020 | 3,450 | $59,446 |
| Kansas | $53,630 | $25.78 | $37,440 | $86,260 | 1,730 | $59,544 |
| Oklahoma | $53,630 | $25.78 | $27,310 | $80,980 | 2,040 | $61,052 |
| Kentucky | $52,960 | $25.46 | $32,620 | $81,690 | 2,060 | $58,741 |
| Alabama | $51,070 | $24.55 | $33,050 | $89,130 | 1,760 | $57,496 |
| Idaho | $50,350 | $24.21 | $32,900 | $82,140 | 920 | $52,726 |
| Iowa | $50,310 | $24.19 | $36,970 | $75,510 | 2,100 | $57,325 |
| Louisiana | $49,910 | $24.00 | $35,910 | $76,300 | 1,750 | $56,583 |
| South Dakota | $48,390 | $23.26 | $36,290 | $66,620 | 470 | $54,625 |
| Arkansas | $46,220 | $22.22 | $31,570 | $79,730 | 1,390 | $53,165 |
| Mississippi | $45,640 | $21.94 | $32,260 | $75,480 | 830 | $52,488 |
| Wyoming | $45,150 | $21.71 | $32,820 | $82,990 | 240 | $48,710 |
| West Virginia | $40,350 | $19.40 | $29,530 | $61,640 | 520 | $45,085 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Graphic designer salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes graphic designer pay: 341 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $97,360
- San Francisco, CA $92,050
- Washington, DC $85,420
- Bridgeport, CT $81,800
- New York, NY $79,280
- Napa, CA $79,090
- Santa Maria, CA $78,500
- Boston, MA $78,270
- Seattle, WA $76,720
- Barnstable, MA $76,140
Where the pay goes furthest
- San Jose, CA $88,170
- San Francisco, CA $79,619
- Washington, DC $78,450
- Barnstable, MA $77,417
- Bridgeport, CT $76,546
- Kennewick, WA $74,461
- Baltimore, MD $72,535
- Boston, MA $72,294
- Santa Maria, CA $72,152
- Portland, OR $71,760
All 341 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $97,360 | 1,280 | $88,170 | 47% |
| San Francisco, CA | $92,050 | 3,870 | $79,619 | 45% |
| Washington, DC | $85,420 | 4,420 | $78,450 | 34% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $81,800 | 650 | $76,546 | 42% |
| New York, NY | $79,280 | 15,160 | $70,432 | 54% |
| Napa, CA | $79,090 | 60 | $70,268 | 44% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $78,500 | 210 | $72,152 | 50% |
| Boston, MA | $78,270 | 3,560 | $72,294 | 46% |
| Seattle, WA | $76,720 | 2,710 | $69,034 | 35% |
| Barnstable, MA | $76,140 | 60 | $77,417 | 41% |
| Baltimore, MD | $75,790 | 1,350 | $72,535 | 31% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $75,750 | 210 | $70,279 | 42% |
| Portland, OR | $75,650 | 3,090 | $71,760 | 29% |
| Vallejo, CA | $74,800 | 90 | $68,953 | 40% |
| Sacramento, CA | $74,680 | 920 | $70,010 | 36% |
| Kennewick, WA | $74,520 | 90 | $74,461 | 27% |
| Denver, CO | $72,500 | 2,590 | $68,537 | 31% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $72,400 | 13,810 | $63,751 | 49% |
| Trenton, NJ | $71,750 | 250 | $69,539 | 42% |
| Hartford, CT | $70,870 | 500 | $68,976 | 34% |
| Providence, RI | $70,450 | 970 | $69,223 | 37% |
| Bremerton, WA | $70,420 | 80 | $66,681 | 35% |
| Naples, FL | $69,570 | 170 | $67,413 | 45% |
| Modesto, CA | $69,110 | 140 | $66,383 | 36% |
| Waterbury, CT | $68,350 | 270 | $68,502 | – |
| Burlington, VT | $68,260 | 170 | $67,618 | 46% |
| New Haven, CT | $68,150 | 260 | $65,179 | 36% |
| Olympia, WA | $67,710 | 110 | $65,313 | 36% |
| Boulder, CO | $67,680 | 400 | $64,333 | 39% |
| Portland, ME | $67,650 | 270 | $66,416 | 41% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $67,570 | 60 | $67,060 | 36% |
| Oxnard, CA | $67,300 | 390 | $60,886 | 53% |
| Salinas, CA | $66,940 | 80 | $61,389 | 50% |
| Kenosha, WI | $66,810 | 70 | $66,071 | – |
| Worcester, MA | $66,810 | 310 | $65,166 | 38% |
| Chicago, IL | $66,490 | 6,590 | $64,183 | 39% |
| Richmond, VA | $66,350 | 760 | $67,802 | 31% |
| Lafayette, IN | $66,060 | 100 | $70,705 | 27% |
| Visalia, CA | $66,040 | 70 | $66,156 | 32% |
| Riverside, CA | $65,900 | 1,370 | $61,912 | 46% |
| Salem, OR | $65,720 | 210 | $63,406 | 30% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $65,710 | 50 | $69,091 | 32% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $65,610 | 3,690 | $62,592 | 32% |
| Crestview, FL | $65,560 | 110 | $67,566 | 36% |
| Norwich, CT | $65,520 | 70 | $65,230 | 38% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $65,510 | 70 | $65,351 | – |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $65,450 | 1,380 | $64,887 | 30% |
| Austin, TX | $65,060 | 1,880 | $66,343 | 30% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $65,060 | 1,210 | $64,920 | 32% |
| Greeley, CO | $64,640 | 110 | $64,526 | 31% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $64,510 | 90 | $58,701 | 65% |
| Gainesville, FL | $64,310 | 200 | $66,482 | 31% |
| Columbus, OH | $64,000 | 1,470 | $67,037 | 29% |
| Madison, WI | $63,970 | 700 | $65,754 | 33% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $63,830 | 120 | $64,568 | 39% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $63,810 | 480 | $66,785 | 28% |
| Dallas, TX | $63,780 | 4,790 | $61,868 | 31% |
| Springfield, MA | $63,760 | 150 | $66,374 | 37% |
| Helena, MT | $63,690 | 30 | $66,569 | 31% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $63,680 | 310 | $63,677 | 36% |
| Durham, NC | $63,580 | 370 | $65,162 | 31% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $63,560 | 250 | $58,087 | 43% |
| Rochester, NY | $63,530 | 650 | $65,471 | 29% |
| Merced, CA | $63,340 | 30 | $64,452 | 39% |
| Anchorage, AK | $63,250 | 130 | $59,998 | 36% |
| Albany, NY | $63,200 | 450 | $63,475 | 32% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $63,090 | 1,010 | $63,417 | 32% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $63,090 | 3,360 | $61,519 | 36% |
| Tampa, FL | $62,900 | 1,870 | $62,345 | 38% |
| Huntsville, AL | $62,720 | 270 | $67,389 | 27% |
| Atlanta, GA | $62,680 | 4,060 | $62,644 | 35% |
| Winchester, VA | $62,450 | 60 | $64,749 | 35% |
| Orlando, FL | $62,360 | 1,980 | $61,488 | 37% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $62,260 | 1,730 | $65,283 | 29% |
| Provo, UT | $62,210 | 660 | $63,330 | 34% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $62,060 | 240 | $61,368 | 38% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $61,970 | 160 | $61,426 | 35% |
| Salisbury, MD | $61,950 | 40 | $64,790 | 38% |
| Kahului, HI | $61,940 | 40 | $56,622 | 62% |
| Missoula, MT | $61,930 | 80 | $64,213 | 31% |
| Miami, FL | $61,870 | 3,950 | $54,198 | 51% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $61,780 | 1,200 | $63,732 | 30% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $61,700 | 160 | $62,231 | 40% |
| Raleigh, NC | $61,700 | 1,040 | $62,858 | 32% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $61,630 | 60 | $61,430 | 41% |
| Charleston, SC | $61,450 | 320 | $60,864 | 40% |
| Kingston, NY | $61,410 | 70 | $60,978 | 39% |
| Ithaca, NY | $61,250 | 40 | $59,284 | 39% |
| Rochester, MN | $61,240 | 80 | $67,429 | 31% |
| Dayton, OH | $61,030 | 480 | $65,840 | 26% |
| Stockton, CA | $61,030 | 150 | $58,075 | 48% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $61,010 | 280 | $64,960 | 29% |
| St. Louis, MO | $61,000 | 2,010 | $64,151 | 28% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $60,790 | 400 | $60,363 | 35% |
| Janesville, WI | $60,700 | 50 | $64,779 | 26% |
| Florence, SC | $60,640 | 40 | $69,883 | 30% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $60,520 | 1,530 | $63,242 | 30% |
| Nashville, TN | $60,370 | 1,590 | $62,665 | 36% |
| Detroit, MI | $60,210 | 2,710 | $60,031 | 30% |
| Champaign, IL | $60,200 | 150 | $64,938 | 28% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $60,150 | 570 | $61,415 | 38% |
| Roanoke, VA | $60,120 | 150 | $64,218 | 28% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $60,060 | 30 | $62,970 | 27% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $60,030 | 140 | $59,893 | 46% |
| Jackson, MI | $60,010 | 50 | $65,385 | 24% |
| Buffalo, NY | $60,000 | 540 | $62,602 | 29% |
| Kansas City, MO | $59,990 | 1,720 | $64,824 | 31% |
| Lansing, MI | $59,990 | 320 | $63,153 | 26% |
| Racine, WI | $59,990 | 90 | $62,515 | 29% |
| Appleton, WI | $59,980 | 210 | $64,900 | 24% |
| Bellingham, WA | $59,850 | 110 | $57,919 | 39% |
| Charlotte, NC | $59,810 | 1,640 | $61,439 | 35% |
| Cleveland, OH | $59,780 | 1,430 | $63,648 | 29% |
| Allentown, PA | $59,710 | 410 | $59,729 | 37% |
| San Antonio, TX | $59,710 | 970 | $63,041 | 28% |
| Tulsa, OK | $59,620 | 560 | $66,828 | 28% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $59,290 | 90 | $62,799 | 29% |
| Green Bay, WI | $59,260 | 240 | $63,662 | 23% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $59,090 | 2,810 | $57,193 | 35% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $59,040 | 40 | $65,208 | 23% |
| Manchester, NH | $59,040 | 200 | $55,879 | 44% |
| Memphis, TN | $59,000 | 590 | $64,006 | 28% |
| Lexington, KY | $58,880 | 380 | $63,387 | 33% |
| Sebastian, FL | $58,760 | 50 | $59,771 | 43% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $58,670 | 40 | $59,857 | 40% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $58,670 | 280 | $63,134 | 26% |
| Utica, NY | $58,550 | 120 | $63,176 | 29% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $58,520 | 200 | $65,780 | 25% |
| Greenville, SC | $58,500 | 490 | $62,728 | 32% |
| Akron, OH | $58,460 | 360 | $62,611 | 27% |
| Niles, MI | $58,420 | 90 | $63,246 | 29% |
| Houston, TX | $58,400 | 2,770 | $59,212 | 34% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $58,340 | 160 | $66,574 | 25% |
| State College, PA | $58,340 | 80 | $60,292 | 40% |
| Fresno, CA | $58,280 | 250 | $57,049 | 42% |
| Panama City, FL | $58,280 | 80 | $59,900 | 36% |
| Honolulu, HI | $58,270 | 410 | $52,514 | 62% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $58,230 | 30 | $63,235 | 32% |
| Pensacola, FL | $58,230 | 170 | $59,590 | 36% |
| Bozeman, MT | $58,200 | 100 | $56,775 | 45% |
| Logan, UT | $58,180 | 100 | $60,650 | 30% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $58,150 | 400 | $58,946 | 31% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $58,110 | 310 | $56,776 | 38% |
| Chico, CA | $58,040 | 70 | $57,353 | 32% |
| Omaha, NE | $58,020 | 1,020 | $63,126 | 29% |
| Eugene, OR | $57,970 | 200 | $57,075 | 37% |
| Yakima, WA | $57,970 | 50 | $60,673 | 28% |
| Duluth, MN | $57,960 | 130 | $65,294 | 28% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $57,870 | 730 | $60,568 | 33% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $57,830 | 1,200 | $61,085 | 30% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $57,820 | 150 | $60,966 | 27% |
| Bend, OR | $57,800 | 130 | $55,788 | 46% |
| Yuma, AZ | $57,730 | 30 | $62,272 | 30% |
| Tucson, AZ | $57,710 | 380 | $59,559 | 31% |
| Midland, TX | $57,580 | 90 | $60,115 | 33% |
| Bismarck, ND | $57,430 | 90 | $63,093 | 27% |
| Louisville, KY | $57,340 | 820 | $61,607 | 28% |
| Cleveland, TN | $57,290 | 30 | $65,043 | 30% |
| Bloomington, IL | $57,230 | 90 | $61,184 | 27% |
| Ames, IA | $57,060 | 110 | $64,235 | 24% |
| Billings, MT | $57,050 | 110 | $60,999 | 29% |
| Killeen, TX | $57,050 | 80 | $62,602 | 28% |
| Burlington, NC | $56,990 | 70 | $61,151 | 28% |
| Mansfield, OH | $56,990 | 50 | $64,126 | 19% |
| Asheville, NC | $56,760 | 240 | $58,815 | 36% |
| Savannah, GA | $56,760 | 160 | $59,618 | 37% |
| Pueblo, CO | $56,730 | 30 | $61,823 | 28% |
| Knoxville, TN | $56,720 | 470 | $61,273 | 36% |
| Lakeland, FL | $56,660 | 260 | $58,328 | 38% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $56,630 | – | $59,678 | 36% |
| La Crosse, WI | $56,630 | 130 | $61,709 | 29% |
| Ogden, UT | $56,620 | 300 | $56,423 | 35% |
| Bangor, ME | $56,570 | 50 | $58,617 | 32% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $56,540 | 50 | $59,600 | 31% |
| Spokane, WA | $56,530 | 270 | $56,335 | 32% |
| Des Moines, IA | $56,520 | 740 | $61,635 | 27% |
| Lincoln, NE | $56,510 | 310 | $61,705 | 27% |
| Lewiston, ME | $56,480 | 30 | $59,618 | 34% |
| Peoria, IL | $56,450 | 150 | $61,876 | 25% |
| Staunton, VA | $56,410 | 30 | $61,902 | 31% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $56,230 | 100 | $60,595 | 24% |
| Reno, NV | $56,160 | 270 | $55,596 | 44% |
| Boise, ID | $55,970 | 440 | $56,885 | 41% |
| Fargo, ND | $55,910 | 260 | $61,527 | 24% |
| Grand Island, NE | $55,790 | 50 | $64,380 | 29% |
| Columbia, SC | $55,690 | 320 | $59,458 | 34% |
| Topeka, KS | $55,630 | 110 | $62,632 | 27% |
| Gainesville, GA | $55,610 | 70 | $57,469 | 37% |
| Lancaster, PA | $55,360 | 350 | $56,342 | 34% |
| Albany, OR | $55,250 | 40 | $54,114 | 36% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $55,250 | 300 | $60,406 | 33% |
| Greensboro, NC | $55,240 | 470 | $59,484 | 31% |
| Wausau, WI | $55,230 | 60 | $59,611 | 21% |
| Springfield, IL | $55,220 | 100 | $59,540 | 26% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $55,110 | 70 | $63,591 | 25% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $55,020 | 280 | $54,540 | 42% |
| York, PA | $54,980 | 230 | $57,271 | 30% |
| Scranton, PA | $54,950 | 250 | $58,735 | 30% |
| Erie, PA | $54,940 | 120 | $60,407 | 25% |
| Greenville, NC | $54,860 | 70 | $62,057 | 32% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $54,820 | 430 | $60,009 | 34% |
| Wilmington, NC | $54,720 | 260 | $56,751 | 38% |
| North Port, FL | $54,530 | 340 | $53,243 | 46% |
| Rockford, IL | $54,530 | 110 | $59,173 | 29% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $54,460 | 30 | $59,426 | 25% |
| Reading, PA | $54,340 | 230 | $55,986 | 34% |
| Lawrence, KS | $54,290 | 120 | $60,160 | 35% |
| Michigan City, IN | $54,290 | 30 | $59,216 | 27% |
| Mankato, MN | $54,150 | 120 | $59,535 | 27% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $54,150 | 60 | $55,112 | 42% |
| Lebanon, PA | $54,140 | 60 | $58,081 | 32% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $53,920 | 40 | $57,491 | 33% |
| Dalton, GA | $53,630 | 120 | $59,692 | 31% |
| Binghamton, NY | $53,460 | 100 | $57,569 | 36% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $53,440 | 70 | $56,843 | 30% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $53,310 | 70 | $57,502 | 37% |
| Lima, OH | $53,310 | 50 | $59,452 | 27% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $53,280 | 90 | $58,517 | 33% |
| Auburn, AL | $53,120 | 60 | $60,410 | 36% |
| Waco, TX | $52,920 | 110 | $57,180 | 32% |
| Augusta, GA | $52,880 | 190 | $57,539 | 33% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $52,580 | 40 | $52,305 | 42% |
| Wichita, KS | $52,570 | 300 | $59,103 | 28% |
| Davenport, IA | $52,500 | 170 | $58,936 | 23% |
| Birmingham, AL | $52,480 | 530 | $57,265 | 32% |
| Syracuse, NY | $52,390 | 290 | $54,720 | 37% |
| Ocala, FL | $52,370 | 100 | $54,991 | 37% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $52,280 | 270 | $56,475 | 29% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $52,070 | 30 | $59,162 | 29% |
| Springfield, OH | $51,840 | 30 | $57,293 | 28% |
| Elkhart, IN | $51,720 | 140 | $57,260 | 27% |
| New Orleans, LA | $51,710 | 560 | $55,844 | 37% |
| Williamsport, PA | $51,710 | 60 | $55,994 | 25% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $51,540 | 60 | $53,982 | 40% |
| Evansville, IN | $51,450 | 110 | $56,212 | 26% |
| South Bend, IN | $51,370 | 160 | $55,321 | 29% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $51,180 | 40 | $59,458 | 24% |
| Shreveport, LA | $51,080 | 140 | $60,260 | 30% |
| Waterloo, IA | $51,060 | 110 | $58,651 | 24% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $51,020 | 420 | $56,202 | 32% |
| Macon, GA | $50,960 | 70 | $57,564 | 29% |
| Canton, OH | $50,750 | 160 | $56,764 | 27% |
| Hickory, NC | $50,540 | 140 | $57,116 | 38% |
| Altoona, PA | $50,530 | 50 | $56,454 | 24% |
| College Station, TX | $50,530 | 110 | $55,557 | 36% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $50,380 | 80 | $51,255 | 43% |
| Toledo, OH | $50,320 | 290 | $55,022 | 30% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $50,300 | 1,080 | $55,637 | 33% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $50,290 | 100 | $53,705 | 41% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $50,230 | 30 | $56,862 | 44% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $50,030 | 200 | $55,202 | 30% |
| Rapid City, SD | $49,990 | 80 | $56,068 | 35% |
| Longview, TX | $49,950 | 50 | $55,819 | 28% |
| Traverse City, MI | $49,940 | 90 | $53,485 | 45% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $49,920 | 270 | $54,236 | 37% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $49,870 | 50 | $52,693 | 32% |
| San Angelo, TX | $49,860 | 30 | $53,930 | 32% |
| Manhattan, KS | $49,800 | 60 | $55,234 | 30% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $49,690 | 80 | $57,524 | 24% |
| Deltona, FL | $49,640 | 290 | $49,956 | 43% |
| Kingsport, TN | $49,570 | 100 | $57,341 | 32% |
| Columbia, MO | $49,490 | 140 | $55,334 | 35% |
| Dover, DE | $49,490 | 40 | $50,755 | 43% |
| Joplin, MO | $49,440 | 80 | $57,678 | 30% |
| Flint, MI | $49,410 | 110 | $53,110 | 25% |
| Abilene, TX | $49,360 | 50 | $54,624 | 48% |
| Iowa City, IA | $49,350 | 110 | $53,929 | 43% |
| El Centro, CA | $49,190 | 30 | $51,684 | 44% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $49,160 | 130 | $53,448 | 35% |
| Great Falls, MT | $49,150 | 40 | $50,751 | 35% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $49,020 | 80 | $54,855 | 32% |
| Columbus, GA | $48,750 | 110 | $54,594 | 33% |
| Bloomington, IN | $48,740 | 30 | $51,260 | 43% |
| St. George, UT | $48,740 | 120 | $50,082 | 45% |
| Johnson City, TN | $48,690 | 50 | $55,375 | 37% |
| Dubuque, IA | $48,620 | 120 | $55,675 | 26% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $48,540 | 40 | $53,593 | 32% |
| Clarksville, TN | $48,520 | – | $53,350 | 33% |
| Muskegon, MI | $48,500 | 50 | $52,422 | 32% |
| Sandusky, OH | $48,440 | 40 | $54,256 | 45% |
| Johnstown, PA | $48,400 | 30 | $56,326 | 22% |
| Montgomery, AL | $48,370 | 150 | $53,935 | 34% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $48,260 | 110 | $54,856 | 25% |
| Brownsville, TX | $48,240 | 60 | $56,109 | 38% |
| Dothan, AL | $48,130 | 40 | $57,412 | 30% |
| Decatur, IL | $48,100 | 40 | $54,398 | 26% |
| Jackson, TN | $48,040 | 40 | $56,173 | 35% |
| El Paso, TX | $48,000 | 250 | $53,386 | 38% |
| Gulfport, MS | $47,880 | 90 | $53,196 | 36% |
| Springfield, MO | $47,790 | 310 | $53,948 | 31% |
| Athens, GA | $47,750 | 80 | $51,155 | 45% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $47,670 | 90 | $50,621 | 41% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $47,650 | 100 | $52,839 | 31% |
| Odessa, TX | $47,630 | 40 | $50,726 | 40% |
| Saginaw, MI | $47,480 | 80 | $52,238 | 27% |
| Daphne, AL | $47,380 | 70 | $50,037 | 43% |
| Morristown, TN | $47,340 | – | $54,815 | 40% |
| Slidell, LA | $47,340 | 100 | $51,054 | – |
| Jackson, MS | $47,310 | 270 | $53,129 | 37% |
| Lafayette, LA | $47,310 | 210 | $54,249 | 35% |
| Sioux City, IA | $47,270 | 60 | $54,676 | 33% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $47,270 | 40 | $51,320 | 40% |
| Youngstown, OH | $47,170 | 130 | $53,974 | 27% |
| Little Rock, AR | $46,620 | 370 | $52,169 | 32% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $46,590 | 80 | $50,275 | 37% |
| Lubbock, TX | $46,380 | 180 | $50,790 | 34% |
| Midland, MI | $46,330 | 40 | $50,402 | 36% |
| Amarillo, TX | $46,220 | 90 | $50,338 | 34% |
| Decatur, AL | $46,170 | 50 | $52,940 | 28% |
| Texarkana, TX | $46,140 | 40 | $54,921 | 33% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $45,930 | 50 | $52,314 | 26% |
| Mobile, AL | $45,820 | 100 | $52,010 | 34% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $45,760 | 70 | $52,165 | 44% |
| Muncie, IN | $45,700 | 40 | $51,845 | 27% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $45,610 | 70 | $53,126 | 36% |
| Beaumont, TX | $45,380 | 80 | $50,396 | 35% |
| Monroe, LA | $45,340 | 100 | $54,236 | 31% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $45,170 | 120 | $45,734 | 52% |
| Owensboro, KY | $44,950 | 60 | $50,728 | 33% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $44,890 | 40 | $46,522 | 41% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $44,870 | 30 | $50,127 | 35% |
| Tyler, TX | $44,850 | 110 | $48,667 | 35% |
| Casper, WY | $44,730 | 30 | $47,672 | 38% |
| Brunswick, GA | $44,540 | 30 | $50,782 | 45% |
| Anniston, AL | $44,480 | 40 | $51,752 | 26% |
| Laredo, TX | $44,470 | 40 | $51,141 | 30% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $43,940 | 40 | $48,707 | 40% |
| Sherman, TX | $43,920 | 30 | $46,838 | 37% |
| Valdosta, GA | $42,900 | 40 | $48,600 | 37% |
| McAllen, TX | $42,170 | 160 | $49,095 | 32% |
| Wheeling, WV | $41,450 | 60 | $46,930 | 25% |
| Morgantown, WV | $40,460 | 60 | $43,355 | 40% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $39,790 | 50 | $46,334 | 37% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $39,590 | 80 | $46,095 | 33% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $39,580 | 30 | $46,168 | 37% |
| Huntington, WV | $39,420 | 80 | $44,582 | 33% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $39,250 | 30 | $45,081 | 32% |
| Albany, GA | $38,870 | 50 | $44,337 | 33% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $38,580 | 40 | $44,025 | 41% |
| Florence, AL | $38,110 | 40 | $44,932 | 34% |
| Charleston, WV | $37,920 | 60 | $42,743 | 38% |
What the median graphic designer salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $62,960 |
| Month | $5,247 |
| Every two weeks | $2,422 |
| Week | $1,211 |
| Hour | $30.27 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a graphic designer: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | −1.7% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 16,000 |
| Self-employed | 20.5% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Interior designer | $67,190 | Bachelor's degree |
| Journalist | $62,200 | Bachelor's degree |
| Photographer | $44,660 | High school diploma |
| Court reporter | $72,420 | Postsecondary certificate |
Questions about graphic designer pay
How much does a graphic designer make an hour?
The median is $30.27 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $19.00 and the top 10% over $50.44.
How much does a graphic designer make a month?
About $5,247 a month before taxes at the median salary of $62,960, or $2,422 every two weeks.
What state pays graphic designers the most?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $87,920. Rhode Island ($78,220), New York ($77,340), Massachusetts ($76,710) and California ($75,130) follow.
Where do graphic designers make the most after cost of living?
The District of Columbia: its median of $87,920 is worth $79,999 at typical US prices. Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York come next.
How much do entry-level graphic designers make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of graphic designers earn under $39,520 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $49,040, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a graphic designer?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 27-1024 (Graphic Designers). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.