Graphic Designer Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 4K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$76,710
$36.88/hr
vs National Average
$60,609
+26.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $109K
4K employed in Massachusetts
Graphic Designer salary in Massachusetts averages $76,710 annually, positioning the state as a competitive market for design professionals. With approximately 4,450 graphic designers employed across Massachusetts, this median salary sits 27% above the national average, reflecting the state's robust creative industries and cost of living.
Several factors influence graphic designer compensation in Massachusetts, including experience level, educational background, and industry specialization. Geographic proximity to major design hubs like Boston, portfolio quality, and employer size all play significant roles in determining where individual salaries fall within the $47,830 to $108,970 range.
Salary Distribution — Graphic Designer in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,830 |
| 25th percentile | $60,030 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,710 |
| 75th percentile | $95,990 |
| 90th percentile | $108,970 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $68,000 |
| 2023 | $70,300 |
| 2024 | $76,370 |
| 2025 | $76,710 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,052 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $68,000 | $53,507 |
| 2023 | $70,300 | $54,331 |
| 2024 | $76,370 | $57,115 |
| 2025 | $76,710 | $60,609 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,052 | $60,879 |
Graphic Designer Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,030 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,710 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $95,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $108,970 |
Graphic Designer Salary in Other States
Related Graphic Designer Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Graphic Designer ($76,710 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Graphic Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in MA | $149,320 | +94.7% | $71.79/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in MA | $101,720 | +32.6% | $48.90/hr |
| Producer and Director in MA | $80,970 | +5.6% | $38.93/hr |
| Interior Designer in MA | $80,110 | +4.4% | $38.51/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in MA | $76,660 | -0.1% | $36.86/hr |
| Paralegal in MA | $77,640 | +1.2% | $37.33/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in MA | $75,070 | -2.1% | $36.09/hr |
| Librarian in MA | $78,540 | +2.4% | $37.76/hr |
| Police Officer in MA | $78,940 | +2.9% | $37.95/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in MA | $79,300 | +3.4% | $38.13/hr |
| Electrician in MA | $79,420 | +3.5% | $38.18/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in MA | $79,660 | +3.8% | $38.30/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Massachusetts?
- The median salary for graphic designers in Massachusetts is $76,710 per year, or $37 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 26.6% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for graphic designers in Massachusetts?
- Graphic designer salaries in Massachusetts range from $47,830 at the lower end to $108,970 at the higher end, giving job seekers a wide range of earning potential depending on experience and specialization.
Is graphic design a good paying job in Massachusetts compared to the national average?
- Yes, graphic design salaries in Massachusetts are 26.6% above the national average, with a median of $76,710 annually. This makes Massachusetts one of the better states for graphic designer compensation.
How many graphic design jobs are available in Massachusetts?
- There are currently 4,450 graphic designers employed in Massachusetts, indicating a moderately sized job market for this profession in the state.