Graphic Designer Salary in New Jersey: $73,773 (2026)

Quick Answer:Across New Jersey's 61 metropolitan areas, the average median graphic designer pay sits at $73,773/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 27-1024. Because New Jersey sits at BEA RPP 115.2 (15% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $64,039 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Jersey City ($80,640), Newark ($79,397), East Orange ($73,531).

Graphic Designer Salary in New Jersey - 2025 BLS Data Infographic — New Jersey graphic designer salary overview (2026)

$73,773

Avg Median Salary

$35.47

Avg Hourly Rate

1,184

Metro Employed

Cities

In 2026, the average median salary for graphic designers in New Jersey is projected to be $73,772, which is 13.4% higher than the national median of $65,075. This shows that working in New Jersey offers a significant advantage in terms of compensation compared to most other states. The highest paying city, Jersey City, offers a salary of $83,350, while Camden ranks as the lowest at $63,652, revealing a salary gap of $19,698. Factors influencing this difference include proximity to major metropolitan areas, the concentration of industries requiring design services, and varying living costs. New Jersey has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that can impact salary and job opportunities. The demand for graphic designers is driven by the state's diverse industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology, all of which rely heavily on effective visual communication. The job market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.36%, indicating a stable outlook for those entering or advancing in the field. Top cities projected for graphic designer salaries in 2026 include Newark at $82,065, East Orange at $76,002, Franklin at $76,002, and Woodbridge at $75,980, further illustrating the geographic variances in compensation across New Jersey.

New Jersey Graphic Designer Salary Range

Entry Level (10th %ile)

$47,447

avg across 61 cities

Median

$73,773

state average

Top Earners (90th %ile)

$112,188

avg across 61 cities

Overall salary range in New Jersey: $40,301 (lowest entry-level) to $129,192 (highest top earner)

New Jersey vs National Average

New Jersey

$73,773

National Median

$65,075

New Jersey graphic designers earn 13.37% more than the national median (+$8,698/year difference).

New Jersey Graphic Designer Salary Distribution (2026)

Graphic Designer salaries in New Jersey range from $47,447 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $112,188 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $73,773. The New Jersey median is $8,698 above the US national median of $65,075. The average hourly rate is $35.47/hr. Approximately 1,184 graphic designers are employed across 61 cities.

2019 BLS Actual

$57,898

2025 BLS Actual

$71,374

2026 Current Est.

$73,773

2019–2027 Growth

+31.7%

Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in New Jersey (2019–2027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected

Year	Annual Salary	Status
2019	$57,898	Actual
2020	$50,990	Actual
2021	$61,795	Actual
2022	$64,176	Actual
2023	$63,227	Actual
2024	$74,880	Actual
2025	$71,374	Actual
2026(current)	$73,773	Estimated
2027	$76,251	Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Jersey metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 23.3% from $57,898 (2019) to $71,374 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,251 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,353 (31.70%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Jersey 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.

Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in New Jersey

Jersey City

42 employed · $40.07/hr

$83,350

+12.98% vs avg

Newark

61 employed · $39.45/hr

$82,065

+11.24% vs avg

East Orange

9 employed · $36.54/hr

$76,002

+3.02% vs avg

Franklin

15 employed · $36.54/hr

$76,002

+3.02% vs avg

Woodbridge

25 employed · $36.53/hr

$75,980

+2.99% vs avg

Lowest Paying Cities in New Jersey

City	Median Salary	vs State Avg	Hourly
Camden	$63,652	-13.72%	$30.60
Atlantic City	$65,975	-10.57%	$31.72
Summit	$69,863	-5.30%	$33.59
Rahway	$70,917	-3.87%	$34.10
Evesham	$71,232	-3.44%	$34.24

Best Value Cities for Graphic Designers in New Jersey

When adjusted for local cost of living, these New Jersey cities offer the most purchasing power for graphic designers.

City	Nominal Salary	CoL Index	Adjusted Salary
Jersey City	$83,350	115.2	$72,352
Trenton	$74,161	103.18	$71,875
Newark	$82,065	115.2	$71,237
Atlantic City	$65,975	98.857	$66,738
East Orange	$76,002	115.2	$65,974

Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.

Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey

Experience Level	Estimated Annual	Est. Hourly	Description
Entry Level (0-2 years)	$47,447	$22.81	10th percentile, new graduates
Mid Career (3-7 years)	$73,773	$35.47	50th percentile, median salary
Experienced (7+ years)	$112,188	$53.94	90th percentile, top earners

Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across New Jersey metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

All 61 Cities in New Jersey

#	City	Median Salary	Hourly	Entry (P10)	Top (P90)	Employed
1	Jersey City	$83,350	$40.07	$48,796	$129,192	42
2	Newark	$82,065	$39.45	$47,597	$127,200	61
3	East Orange	$76,002	$36.54	$47,867	$117,802	9
4	Franklin	$76,002	$36.54	$47,867	$117,802	15
5	Woodbridge	$75,980	$36.53	$44,464	$117,769	25
6	Parsippany-Troy Hills	$75,871	$36.48	$45,046	$117,601	8
7	Union	$75,681	$36.38	$46,831	$117,306	15
8	Elizabeth	$75,653	$36.37	$49,391	$117,263	25
9	Princeton	$75,635	$36.36	$48,590	$117,234	6
10	Brick	$75,497	$36.30	$46,418	$117,021	18
11	Gloucester Township	$75,283	$36.20	$45,940	$116,689	10
12	New Brunswick	$75,253	$36.18	$46,182	$116,643	8
13	Vineland	$75,128	$36.12	$45,903	$116,448	11
14	Howell	$75,004	$36.06	$45,625	$116,256	11
15	Paterson	$74,914	$36.02	$48,061	$116,117	31
16	Plainfield	$74,825	$35.97	$44,923	$115,979	10
17	Irvington	$74,713	$35.92	$44,904	$115,805	10
18	West New York	$74,600	$35.87	$44,655	$115,630	10
19	Piscataway	$74,547	$35.83	$44,613	$115,548	14
20	Jackson	$74,505	$35.82	$44,215	$115,483	10
21	Lakewood	$74,381	$35.76	$46,899	$115,291	31
22	West Orange	$74,339	$35.74	$48,052	$115,225	11
23	Montclair	$74,228	$35.69	$47,480	$115,053	10
24	Trenton	$74,161	$35.65	$50,305	$105,758	250
25	Washington Township	$74,111	$35.63	$47,211	$114,872	12
26	Old Bridge	$74,083	$35.62	$49,446	$114,829	17
27	Edison	$73,970	$35.57	$46,008	$114,653	20
28	Union City	$73,935	$35.55	$49,187	$114,600	17
29	Toms River	$73,912	$35.54	$49,133	$114,563	17
30	Bridgewater	$73,826	$35.49	$46,551	$114,430	10
31	Middletown	$73,804	$35.48	$48,891	$114,397	15
32	Clifton	$73,579	$35.37	$48,385	$114,047	14
33	South Brunswick	$73,448	$35.31	$45,993	$113,844	7
34	Berkeley	$73,442	$35.31	$45,670	$113,836	7
35	Perth Amboy	$73,431	$35.31	$48,052	$113,818	13
36	Wayne	$73,407	$35.29	$47,999	$113,782	10
37	Linden	$73,396	$35.29	$45,873	$113,764	7
38	Passaic	$73,377	$35.28	$47,933	$113,735	18
39	East Brunswick	$73,349	$35.27	$45,767	$113,692	8
40	Bloomfield	$73,193	$35.19	$47,522	$113,450	11
41	Long Branch	$73,146	$35.16	$45,302	$113,376	8
42	Westfield	$72,942	$35.07	$44,531	$113,060	7
43	Hamilton	$72,867	$35.03	$46,723	$112,944	21
44	Sayreville	$72,843	$35.02	$44,614	$112,906	9
45	Cherry Hill	$72,831	$35.02	$46,420	$112,888	11
46	North Bergen	$72,700	$34.96	$46,429	$112,685	13
47	Hoboken	$72,635	$34.93	$44,091	$112,585	15
48	Kearny	$72,524	$34.86	$49,797	$112,411	11
49	Manalapan	$72,459	$34.83	$49,648	$112,312	8
50	Bayonne	$72,386	$34.80	$45,738	$112,198	16
51	Manchester	$72,221	$34.72	$48,866	$111,942	9
52	Moorestown	$71,938	$34.58	$47,729	$110,367	4
53	Hackensack	$71,935	$34.58	$48,511	$111,500	8
54	Marlboro	$71,563	$34.41	$47,580	$110,923	9
55	Mount Laurel	$71,511	$34.38	$47,460	$110,841	11
56	Egg Harbor	$71,336	$34.29	$47,136	$110,570	8
57	Evesham	$71,232	$34.24	$46,899	$110,409	12
58	Rahway	$70,917	$34.10	$46,112	$109,922	9
59	Summit	$69,863	$33.59	$48,874	$108,288	5
60	Atlantic City	$65,975	$31.72	$44,600	$100,135	120
61	Camden	$63,652	$30.60	$40,301	$98,661	16

More New Jersey Salary Data

Hourly Rates

Explore graphic designer hourly pay in New Jersey cities.

Jersey City →Newark →East Orange →

Entry Level

Starting salaries for new graphic designers.

Jersey City →Newark →East Orange →

Senior / Experienced

Top earner salaries for experienced graphic designers.

Jersey City →Newark →East Orange →

Explore More Graphic Designer Salary Data

National OverviewMedian salary & full US data Entry-Level SalariesStarting pay & new grad earnings Hourly Pay RatesPer-hour rates & part-time income Highest Paying StatesTop states ranked by salary

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do graphic designers make in New Jersey in 2026?

The average median graphic designer salary in New Jersey is $73,773/year across 61 metro areas, based on estimated 2026 (projected from 2025 BLS data). Salaries range from $63,652 in Camden to $83,350 in Jersey City. This makes New Jersey one of the higher-paying states, at 13.37% above the national median of $65,075. The state employs approximately 1,184 graphic designers.

What is the highest paying city for graphic designers in New Jersey?

Jersey City offers the highest graphic designer salary in New Jersey at $83,350/year ($40.07/hr), based on estimated 2026 (projected from 2025 BLS data). The top 3 highest-paying cities are Jersey City ($83,350), Newark ($82,065), East Orange ($76,002). Higher pay in these metros is typically driven by cost of living, demand for graphic design services, and competition among employers for licensed graphic designers.

How does New Jersey graphic designer pay compare to the national average?

New Jersey's average graphic designer salary of $73,773 is 13.37% above the national median of $65,075 in 2026. The state employs approximately 1,184 graphic designers across 61 metropolitan areas. When comparing salaries, consider cost-of-living differences — a lower nominal salary in an affordable area may provide better purchasing power than a higher salary in an expensive metro.

What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in New Jersey?

Entry-level graphic designers (10th percentile) in New Jersey earn approximately $47,447/year on average, based on estimated 2026 (projected from 2025 BLS data). Starting salaries range from $40,301 in lower-paying areas to $50,305 in the highest-paying metros. New graduates should expect salaries at the lower end and can typically reach the area median within 3–5 years of clinical experience.

How many graphic designers are employed in New Jersey?

New Jersey employs approximately 1,184 graphic designers across 61 metropolitan areas, based on the latest BLS data. Job availability varies by metro area, with larger cities offering more opportunities. Demand continues to grow as the graphic design field expands and the population ages.

Which New Jersey city offers the best value for graphic designers?

When adjusted for cost of living, Jersey City offers the highest purchasing power for graphic designers in New Jersey, with an adjusted salary of $72,352 (nominal: $83,350, CoL index: 115.2). This means your dollar goes 13% less far compared to the national average, making it important to negotiate higher base pay.

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, BFAData verified by Carlos Rodriguez, MA

Methodology & Data Source

Statewide 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. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 graphic designer compensation across New Jersey. State averages are employment-weighted across 61 metro areas — larger metro areas with more graphic designerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (2019–2025). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.

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

Last verified: June 10, 2026

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