Graphic Designer Salary in Rome, NY: $59,900 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Rome, NY earns a median $59,900/year (≈ $28.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Rome's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $51,682 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Rome, NY, can expect a median annual salary of $59,900 in 2026, a figure falling below the national benchmark of $65,075. The salary range for this profession is quite broad, with lower-skill positions starting at $40,450 and more seasoned professionals earning up to $92,845, reflecting the significant premium placed on specialized skills such as motion graphics and brand identity. These figures are drawn from projections based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. Because Rome's job market features only a limited number of employed graphic designers—just six—prospective candidates will find themselves in a competitive landscape that emphasizes niche skills and relevant experience to secure higher salaries.
About the Rome Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,450 | $19.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,164 | $23.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,900 | $28.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,912 | $36.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,845 | $44.64 |
Median Salary Position
7.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rome
In Rome, NY, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,395 (2026 est.). At $59,900, the local median is 7.95% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rome: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rome Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Rome median: $59,900/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rome Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $63,319 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -7.95% less |
Graphic Designers in Rome, NY earn a median of $59,900 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.95% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.40% below the New York state average of $63,319.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rome has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rome, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,900 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,682 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,966
2025 BLS Actual
$57,953
2026 Current Est.
$59,900
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Rome (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,966 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,135 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,677 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,378 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,225 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,247 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,953 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,900 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,913 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rome metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $47,966 (2019) to $57,953 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,913 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,947 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome 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) | $40,450 – $48,164 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,164 – $59,900 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,900 – $74,912 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,912 – $92,845 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Rome
The cost of living in Rome stands at an index of 115.9, which influences graphic designer pay in the area. While the number of local designers is low, those seeking robust opportunities should consider various employment avenues, including in-house marketing teams at banks and tech firms, or creative agencies that may offer competitive compensation for specialized roles. Factors such as professional experience, the strength of one's portfolio, and an established presence in high-demand specialties can significantly affect earning potential. Those aiming to maximize earnings should focus on advancing their skills in areas like brand identity, where the demand for high-quality work enables better compensation compared to general graphic design roles. Engaging with both freelance and contract opportunities can diversify income streams and elevate one's market position, tapping into the growing appetite for expert design services in the region.
More salary data for Rome, NY:
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 $57,953 for graphic designersin the Rome 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 Rome 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