Graphic Designer Salary in Salem, MA: $65,988 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Salem, MA earns a median $65,988/year (≈ $31.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Salem's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $60,818 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Salem, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $65,988, a figure slightly above the national average of $65,075. The salary range for designers in this area varies widely, from $44,875 at the 10th percentile to as high as $102,282 at the 90th percentile. This data stems from local estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, reflecting the unique market dynamics in Salem. With motion graphics and brand identity specialties commanding a premium, designers who hone their skills in these areas can significantly elevate their earning potential in the local job market.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,875 | $21.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,354 | $25.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,988 | $31.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,850 | $39.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,282 | $49.18 |
Median Salary Position
1.40% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, MA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,407 (2026 est.). At $65,988, the local median is 1.4% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Salem median: $65,988/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $68,452 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +1.40% more |
Graphic Designers in Salem, MA earn a median of $65,988 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.40% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $68,452.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,988 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,818 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,841
2025 BLS Actual
$63,843
2026 Current Est.
$65,988
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,841 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,129 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,421 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,803 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,736 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,406 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,843 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,988 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,205 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $52,841 (2019) to $63,843 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,205 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,364 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $44,875 – $53,354 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,354 – $65,988 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,988 – $82,850 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,850 – $102,282 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Salem
In terms of employment, Salem has a modest pool of graphic designers, with only eight professionals currently working in the field. The cost-of-living index stands at 108.5, indicating that the living expenses in Salem are higher than the national average, which can affect take-home pay. Companies within the region that typically offer the highest salaries include corporate marketing teams, particularly in finance and consumer packaged goods, as well as top advertising agencies that seek out experienced professionals. The salary range reflects variations driven by specialty focus, agency prestige, and portfolio strength. Designers aiming to maximize their pay in Salem may consider developing expertise in sought-after areas, building a robust portfolio, and leveraging freelance opportunities strategically.
More salary data for Salem, 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 $63,843 for graphic designersin the Salem 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 Salem 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