Graphic Designer Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 1K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$87,920
$42.27/hr
vs National Average
$60,609
+45.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $137K
1K employed in District of Columbia
The median graphic designer salary in District of Columbia is $87,920 per year, significantly higher than the national average. With approximately 1,150 graphic designers employed in the district, the field represents a substantial portion of the local creative workforce. Salaries in this region range from $62,240 to $136,660 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on experience and specialization.
Graphic designer salary in District of Columbia is influenced by several factors, including years of experience, portfolio strength, and industry specialization. The district's concentration of government agencies, nonprofits, and established marketing firms creates competitive demand for skilled designers. Cost of living in the area also supports higher compensation levels compared to other regions, making the position financially attractive for professionals in the creative field.
Salary Distribution — Graphic Designer in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,240 |
| 25th percentile | $75,300 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $87,920 |
| 75th percentile | $114,280 |
| 90th percentile | $136,660 |
Top-Paying Industries for Graphic Designer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Graphic Designers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Graphic Designers in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $100,350 | 130 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $78,930 | 5K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $78,530 | 9K |
| Finance and Insurance | $77,600 | 4K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $70,920 | 8K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Graphic Designer in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,520 |
| 2023 | $96,810 |
| 2024 | $90,710 |
| 2025 | $87,920 |
| 2026 (projected) | $87,920 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,520 | $53,507 |
| 2023 | $96,810 | $54,331 |
| 2024 | $90,710 | $57,115 |
| 2025 | $87,920 | $60,609 |
| 2026 (projected) | $87,920 | $60,609 |
Graphic Designer Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $75,300 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $87,920 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $114,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $136,660 |
Graphic Designer Salary in Other States
Related Graphic Designer Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Graphic Designer ($87,920 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Graphic Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Producer and Director in DC | $104,270 | +18.6% | $50.13/hr |
| Interior Designer in DC | $98,450 | +12.0% | $47.33/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in DC | $78,770 | -10.4% | $37.87/hr |
| Police Officer in DC | $88,650 | +0.8% | $42.62/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in DC | $86,520 | -1.6% | $41.60/hr |
| Paralegal in DC | $89,750 | +2.1% | $43.15/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in DC | $84,530 | -3.9% | $40.64/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in DC | $91,370 | +3.9% | $43.93/hr |
| Editor in DC | $83,920 | -4.5% | $40.35/hr |
| Loan Officer in DC | $92,890 | +5.7% | $44.66/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in DC | $82,750 | -5.9% | $39.78/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in DC | $82,150 | -6.6% | $39.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Washington DC?
- Graphic designers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $87,920 per year, or $42 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 45.1% increase compared to graphic designers working elsewhere in the country.
What is the salary range for graphic designers in DC?
- The salary range for graphic designers in District of Columbia spans from $62,240 at the lower end to $136,660 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and individual company compensation structures.
Is graphic design a well-paid job in Washington DC?
- Yes, graphic design is a well-compensated profession in Washington DC, with the median salary of $87,920 annually being 45.1% above the national average. With approximately 1,150 graphic designers employed in the district, there is a solid job market for this career.
What hourly rate do graphic designers earn in District of Columbia?
- Graphic designers in District of Columbia earn a median hourly rate of $42, which translates to the annual median salary of $87,920. This hourly rate places DC graphic designers well above typical national compensation levels for the profession.