Graphic Designer Salary in New Bedford, MA: $68,997 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in New Bedford, MA earns a median $68,997/year (≈ $33.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in New Bedford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $63,592 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in New Bedford, Massachusetts are projected to earn a median salary of $68,997, which is above the national median of $65,075, showcasing a 6.03% premium for local talent. The salary range for this profession spans from $45,140 at the P10 level to $106,946 for the P90 bracket, reflecting the varied opportunities and specialties available. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data indicate that while the pay is competitive, pursuing specializations in motion graphics or brand identity can significantly enhance earning potential. This factor suggests that designers aiming to elevate their compensation should focus on developing these in-demand skills to align with New Bedford's evolving job market.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,140 | $21.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,731 | $26.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,997 | $33.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,316 | $42.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,946 | $51.41 |
Median Salary Position
6.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Bedford
In New Bedford, MA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,806 (2026 est.). At $68,997, the local median is 6.03% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Bedford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Bedford Graphic Designer Pay Compares
New Bedford median: $68,997/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Bedford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $68,517 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | +6.03% more |
Graphic Designers in New Bedford, MA earn a median of $68,997 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.03% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $68,517.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Bedford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Bedford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,997 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,592 — a 7.83% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$44,790
2025 BLS Actual
$66,754
2026 Current Est.
$68,997
2019–2027 Growth
+59.2%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,982 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,754 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,997 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,315 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Bedford metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 49.0% from $44,790 (2019) to $66,754 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,315 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,525 (59.22%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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) | $45,140 – $54,731 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,731 – $68,997 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,997 – $88,316 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,316 – $106,946 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in New Bedford
An analysis of the graphic designer pay in New Bedford MA reveals a relatively small workforce consisting of 24 designers, indicating a niche market that could influence job competition and salary trends. With the cost of living index at 108.5, designers must consider how this impacts their take-home pay and purchasing power in the region. Within the local job market, organizations such as corporate marketing teams, particularly in finance and consumer packaged goods, tend to offer the most lucrative positions. Variances in salary can often be attributed to specialization; those focusing on motion graphics or brand identity typically command higher pay compared to general graphic design roles. To maximize earnings, designers should also explore options in higher-tier agencies or enhance their portfolios to better showcase their capabilities. Balancing opportunities between in-house corporate roles and freelance work is crucial, as the latter can be competitive at the lower end yet rewarding for seasoned professionals.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in New Bedford, MA in 2026?
Is New Bedford, MA a good place to work as a graphic designer?
Can graphic designers make $100K in New Bedford?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in New Bedford?
How much does a graphic designer make per hour in New Bedford?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $66,754 for graphic designersin the New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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