Graphic Designer Salary in Lexington, MA: $65,557 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Lexington, MA earns a median $65,557/year (≈ $31.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Lexington's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $60,421 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Lexington, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $65,557, demonstrating a modest increase compared to the national figure of $65,075. The local salary range sits between $43,673 at the lower end and $101,613 at the higher end, providing a diverse landscape for compensation. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, which account for regional price parities, ensuring relevance in the unique economic climate of Lexington. For those considering freelance work, understanding the day rate versus project rate model is essential in this market, as it influences overall income potential and job satisfaction dynamics. With a competitive but concentrated pool, job opportunities often hinge on the strength of one’s portfolio and the demand for specialized skills.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,673 | $20.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,476 | $25.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,557 | $31.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,913 | $40.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,613 | $48.85 |
Median Salary Position
0.74% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lexington
In Lexington, MA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,940 (2026 est.). At $65,557, the local median is 0.74% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lexington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lexington Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Lexington median: $65,557/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lexington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $68,503 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +0.74% more |
Graphic Designers in Lexington, MA earn a median of $65,557 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.74% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 4.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $68,503.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lexington has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lexington, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,557 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,421 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,496
2025 BLS Actual
$63,426
2026 Current Est.
$65,557
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,496 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,775 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,085 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,419 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,346 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,895 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,426 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,557 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,760 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lexington metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $52,496 (2019) to $63,426 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,760 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,264 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington 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) | $43,673 – $52,476 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,476 – $65,557 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,557 – $83,913 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,913 – $101,613 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Lexington
The local job market, though small, shows promise with six graphic designers currently employed in the area, reflecting a growing interest in design services among local businesses. The cost of living index here is 108.5, slightly above the national average, impacting disposable income and purchasing power. Employers in Lexington that typically offer the highest graphic designer pay include in-house corporate marketing teams for banks and tech companies, as well as established advertising agencies. Salary disparities can arise from various factors, including the demand for niche skills like motion graphics or brand identity design, and the type of employer—agencies may pay less initially but offer broader work experience and creative growth. Freelancers can improve their earnings by diversifying their service offerings and targeting premium project opportunities instead of relying solely on lower-tier online marketplaces. Understanding the local context and positioning oneself strategically can substantially maximize graphic designer pay in Lexington, MA.
More salary data for Lexington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Lexington, MA in 2026?
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Can graphic designers make $100K in Lexington?
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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 $63,426 for graphic designersin the Lexington 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 Lexington 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