Graphic Designer Salary in 2026
How Much Do Graphic Designers Make?
Graphic Designers earn a median annual salary of $61,300 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $37,600 at the 10th percentile to $103,030 at the 90th percentile — a range of $65,430. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $90,710.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,600 |
| 25th percentile | $47,200 |
| Median (50th) | $61,300 |
| 75th percentile | $79,000 |
| 90th percentile | $103,030 |
Graphic Designer Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbiatop | $90,710 |
| California | $76,440 |
| Massachusetts | $76,370 |
| Washington | $76,010 |
| New York | $74,530 |
| Virginia | $70,060 |
| New Jersey | $66,600 |
| Colorado | $66,360 |
| Maryland | $66,290 |
| Connecticut | $65,360 |
| Rhode Island | $64,190 |
| Oregon | $63,800 |
| Vermont | $62,180 |
| Texas | $62,030 |
| Illinois | $60,010 |
| Utah | $59,010 |
| Minnesota | $58,590 |
| Wisconsin | $58,380 |
| Florida | $57,900 |
| Georgia | $57,860 |
| New Mexico | $57,780 |
| New Hampshire | $57,310 |
| Nevada | $57,180 |
| Indiana | $56,440 |
| South Carolina | $56,180 |
| Delaware | $56,160 |
| Montana | $55,370 |
| Alaska | $55,230 |
| Ohio | $55,140 |
| Maine | $53,490 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,990 |
| Michigan | $52,600 |
| Nebraska | $52,420 |
| Arizona | $52,240 |
| Tennessee | $51,740 |
| Hawaii | $51,630 |
| Missouri | $50,900 |
| North Carolina | $50,600 |
| Kentucky | $50,330 |
| Oklahoma | $50,310 |
| Kansas | $49,820 |
| Idaho | $48,640 |
| Alabama | $48,130 |
| North Dakota | $47,900 |
| Iowa | $47,560 |
| Arkansas | $46,430 |
| Louisiana | $46,300 |
| Mississippi | $45,260 |
| South Dakota | $43,950 |
| Wyoming | $43,290 |
| West Virginia | $36,870 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Graphic Designers
Graphic Designer Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$37,600 – $47,200 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$61,300 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$79,000 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $103,030+ |
How to Earn More as a Graphic Designer
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Graphic Designers in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earn $98,530 — $37,230 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($79,000) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Graphic Designer Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designerthis career | $61,300 |
| Software Developer | $133,080 |
| Web Developer | $90,930 |
| Video Game Designer | $98,090 |
| Art Director | $111,040 |
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SOC: 27-1024.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.