Graphic Designer Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $65,100 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $65,100/year (≈ $31.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $60,000 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $65,100, which represents a slight increase compared to the national median of $65,075. This salary offers a salary range that spans from $42,630 at the lower end (P10) to $100,905 at the higher end (P90), highlighting notable variations depending on individual skill sets and experience levels. The figures for Chelmsford reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, suggesting that the area has room for growth within the creative sector. The choice between pursuing an in-house corporate position or working at an agency can significantly impact a designer's income potential, influencing overall job roles and responsibilities within Chelmsford’s market.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,630 | $20.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,564 | $24.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,100 | $31.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,329 | $40.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,905 | $48.52 |
Median Salary Position
0.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,275 (2026 est.). At $65,100, the local median is 0.04% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelmsford Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $65,100/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $68,455 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +0.04% more |
Graphic Designers in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $65,100 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.04% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $68,455.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,100 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,000 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,130
2025 BLS Actual
$62,984
2026 Current Est.
$65,100
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,729 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,012 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,932 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,352 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,984 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,100 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,288 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $52,130 (2019) to $62,984 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,288 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,158 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $42,630 – $51,564 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,564 – $65,100 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,100 – $83,329 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,329 – $100,905 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Chelmsford
The job market in Chelmsford features eight graphic designers currently employed, which indicates niche opportunities available locally. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, professionals should consider how this impacts their take-home pay and purchasing power. Generally, in-house roles at corporate marketing teams, especially within CPG and finance sectors, typically offer more stable salaries compared to advertising agencies, which often pay a premium for top-tier creative talent. The disparity in salaries is influenced by specialty areas such as motion graphics or brand identity design, which command higher compensation, as well as agency prestige and individual experience. Freelancers also need to navigate a competitive market that varies significantly in payment structures. To maximize their graphic designer pay in Chelmsford, professionals should focus on building a strong portfolio, specialize in in-demand areas, and consider networking within both corporates and agencies as they pursue career advancement.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
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 $62,984 for graphic designersin the Chelmsford 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
Salary data for Chelmsford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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