Graphic Designer Salary in Bridgeport, CT: $84,548 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Bridgeport, CT earns a median $84,548/year (≈ $40.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Bridgeport's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 106.9), that paycheck buys what $79,117 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 19.7% above the Connecticut state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bridgeport, Connecticut, the annual salary for graphic designers reaches a median of $84,548, surpassing the national median by about 29.92%. The salary range for these positions varies significantly, with the lower 10th percentile earning $50,305 and the top 90th percentile making as much as $110,564. This data, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, highlights the attractive financial prospects available to those in the graphic design field, particularly when compared to the national landscape. Local designers must consider whether to pursue opportunities at in-house corporate teams or advertising agencies, as each structure affects both earnings potential and job nature, shaping the graphic designer pay in Bridgeport, CT.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,305 | $24.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,698 | $30.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,548 | $40.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,773 | $44.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,564 | $53.16 |
Median Salary Position
29.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bridgeport
In Bridgeport, CT, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,259 (2026 est.). At $84,548, the local median is 29.92% above the national median of $65,075.
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At 40 hours/week in Bridgeport: You'd be above the median
How Bridgeport Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Bridgeport median: $84,548/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bridgeport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $70,634 | +19.70% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | +29.92% more |
Graphic Designers in Bridgeport, CT earn a median of $84,548 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.92% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 19.70% above the Connecticut state average of $70,634.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bridgeport has a cost of living 6.86% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bridgeport, CT has a cost-of-living index of 106.864 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,548 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $79,117 — a 6.42% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,990
2025 BLS Actual
$81,800
2026 Current Est.
$84,548
2019–2027 Growth
+36.6%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Bridgeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,990 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,548 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,389 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bridgeport metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 27.8% from $63,990 (2019) to $81,800 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,389 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,399 (36.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bridgeport metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.36% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,305 – $62,698 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,698 – $84,548 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,548 – $91,773 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,773 – $110,564 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Bridgeport
Looking deeper into the local job market, approximately 650 graphic designers are currently employed within Bridgeport. However, the cost of living is slightly elevated, with a cost-of-living index of 106.864, which means that designers must account for living expenses that exceed the national average. Employers that tend to offer higher salaries include in-house teams at large corporations in finance or consumer packaged goods, as well as top-tier advertising agencies where specialized skills in motion graphics and brand identity can drive up compensations significantly. The range in pay often depends on factors such as portfolio strength, the level of specialization, and whether one operates as a freelancer or as part of a team. To maximize earning potential in this market, designers should focus on developing a robust portfolio, target industries known for larger budgets, and stay up-to-date with Adobe Creative Suite trends, as these elements can significantly boost their appeal to prospective employers.
More salary data for Bridgeport, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $81,800 for graphic designersin the Bridgeport metropolitan area. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov