Graphic Designer Salary in Washington
Based on 4K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$72,710
$34.96/hr
vs National Average
$60,609
+20.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $115K
4K employed in Washington
Curious about the Graphic Designer salary in Washington? The median annual salary for graphic designers in the Evergreen State is $72,710. This figure sits comfortably 20% above the national average, indicating a strong demand and competitive market for creative talent in the region. Currently, approximately 3,960 graphic designers are employed in Washington.
Several factors contribute to the wide salary range observed for Graphic Designer salary in Washington, which spans from $47,780 to $115,210. Experience level, specific industry within Washington (like tech or aerospace), the size and type of company, and the complexity of design projects all play a significant role in determining an individual's earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Graphic Designer in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,780 |
| 25th percentile | $57,390 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $72,710 |
| 75th percentile | $93,490 |
| 90th percentile | $115,210 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,060 |
| 2023 | $67,650 |
| 2024 | $76,010 |
| 2025 | $72,710 |
| 2026 (projected) | $72,710 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,060 | $53,507 |
| 2023 | $67,650 | $54,331 |
| 2024 | $76,010 | $57,115 |
| 2025 | $72,710 | $60,609 |
| 2026 (projected) | $72,710 | $60,609 |
Graphic Designer Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $57,390 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $72,710 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $93,490 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $115,210 |
Graphic Designer Salary in Other States
Related Graphic Designer Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Graphic Designer ($72,710 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Graphic Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in WA | $121,170 | +66.6% | $58.25/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in WA | $94,280 | +29.7% | $45.33/hr |
| Producer and Director in WA | $81,550 | +12.2% | $39.21/hr |
| Interior Designer in WA | $76,570 | +5.3% | $36.81/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in WA | $69,270 | -4.7% | $33.30/hr |
| Social Worker in WA | $70,460 | -3.1% | $33.88/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in WA | $75,220 | +3.5% | $36.16/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in WA | $75,510 | +3.9% | $36.30/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in WA | $68,910 | -5.2% | $33.13/hr |
| Editor in WA | $77,850 | +7.1% | $37.43/hr |
| Title Examiner in WA | $66,440 | -8.6% | $31.94/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in WA | $79,130 | +8.8% | $38.04/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a graphic designer in Washington?
- The median salary for graphic designers in Washington is $72,710 per year, which translates to about $35 per hour. Most graphic designers in the state earn between $47,780 and $115,210 annually.
How does a graphic designer's salary in Washington compare to the national average?
- Graphic designers in Washington earn significantly more than the national average, with salaries being 20.0% higher. This means the median Washington salary of $72,710 is well above the national median.
What is the salary range for graphic designers in Washington?
- The salary range for graphic designers in Washington is quite broad, from $47,780 at the lower end to $115,210 at the higher end. The median salary of $72,710 falls in the middle of this spectrum.
How many graphic designers are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 3,960 graphic designers currently employed in Washington. This indicates a substantial market for this profession within the state.