Graphic Designer Salary in Peabody, MA: $68,552 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Peabody, MA earns a median $68,552/year (≈ $32.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Peabody's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $63,182 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Peabody, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $68,552, which is a competitive figure compared to the national median of $65,075. This local figure reflects a salary range spanning from $41,753 at the 10th percentile to $106,256 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from a combination of BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, indicate a notable strength in the local job market. The potential for higher earnings in specialties such as motion graphics and brand identity positions graphic designers here well for advancement, showcasing the demand for these skills within Peabody's diverse employment landscape.
About the Peabody Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,753 | $20.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,538 | $26.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,552 | $32.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,404 | $42.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,256 | $51.08 |
Median Salary Position
5.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Peabody
In Peabody, MA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,503 (2026 est.). At $68,552, the local median is 5.34% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Peabody: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Peabody Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Peabody median: $68,552/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Peabody Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $68,484 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | +5.34% more |
Graphic Designers in Peabody, MA earn a median of $68,552 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.34% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.10% above the Massachusetts state average of $68,484.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Peabody has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Peabody, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,552 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,182 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,894
2025 BLS Actual
$66,324
2026 Current Est.
$68,552
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Peabody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,894 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,232 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,419 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,088 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,058 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,454 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,324 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,552 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,856 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Peabody metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $54,894 (2019) to $66,324 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,856 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,962 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peabody 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) | $41,753 – $54,538 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,538 – $68,552 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,552 – $87,404 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,404 – $106,256 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Peabody
Currently, Peabody employs only eight graphic designers, hinting at a niche but established market for design professionals. This limited pool is set against a cost-of-living index of 108.5, suggesting that salaries may need to accommodate slightly higher expenses. Premier employers in the area, such as corporate branding teams and advertising agencies, often offer the most competitive compensation, particularly for roles that demand specialized skills. Factors influencing salary variability include the tier of the agency or corporation, specialty in the motion graphics and branding fields, and the strength of a designer's portfolio. Freelancers may experience a broader pay range, with some securing lucrative contracts while others face a more challenging market. Designers looking to maximize their pay in Peabody should focus on cultivating expertise in high-demand areas, building a strong portfolio, and considering opportunities with larger in-house teams or leading creative agencies.
More salary data for Peabody, 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 $66,324 for graphic designersin the Peabody 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 Peabody 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