Graphic Designer Salary in Chelsea, MA: $67,859 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Chelsea, MA earns a median $67,859/year (≈ $32.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Chelsea's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $62,543 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelsea, Massachusetts, graphic designers can expect a median annual salary of $67,859 in 2026, reflecting a competitive advantage over the national median of $65,075. With a salary range spanning from $43,702 at the lower end to $105,181 at the top, this compensation illustrates both the city's vibrant market and the opportunities available for skilled professionals. The estimates are derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) state-level data and adjusted for the regional cost of living. Chelsea's job market offers unique prospects, particularly for specialists in motion graphics and brand identity, who often command higher rates than those in general graphic design roles.
About the Chelsea Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,702 | $21.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,048 | $25.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,859 | $32.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,994 | $41.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,181 | $50.56 |
Median Salary Position
4.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelsea
In Chelsea, MA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,479 (2026 est.). At $67,859, the local median is 4.28% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelsea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelsea Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Chelsea median: $67,859/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelsea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $68,475 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +4.28% more |
Graphic Designers in Chelsea, MA earn a median of $67,859 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.28% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $68,475.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelsea has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelsea, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,859 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,543 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,339
2025 BLS Actual
$65,653
2026 Current Est.
$67,859
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Chelsea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,339 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,663 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,879 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,629 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,653 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,859 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,139 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelsea metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $54,339 (2019) to $65,653 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,139 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,800 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelsea 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) | $43,702 – $53,048 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,048 – $67,859 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,859 – $85,994 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,994 – $105,181 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Chelsea
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently six graphic designers employed in Chelsea, indicating a niche yet stable environment for design professionals in 2026. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, expenses in Chelsea are above the national average, affecting take-home pay. Those employed by in-house corporate marketing teams in sectors such as finance, retail, and consumer packaged goods tend to receive higher compensation than their counterparts in traditional agencies or freelance positions. The notable salary variations can often be traced back to the specialty of the work—those focusing on high-demand areas like brand identity often earn more. To maximize earning potential in Chelsea, designers should bolster their portfolios, target top-tier agencies, and consider opportunities in sectors that align with their expertise.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $65,653 for graphic designersin the Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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