Graphic Designer Salary in Montpelier, VT: $62,034 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Montpelier, VT earns a median $62,034/year (≈ $29.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Montpelier's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $59,936 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Montpelier, Vermont, can expect a median annual salary of $62,034. This figure indicates a competitive pay grade, especially when compared to the national median of $65,075. With salaries ranging from $42,172 at the lower end to $96,152 at the upper end, there is considerable potential for variation based on experience and specialty. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the importance of developing niche skills that can command higher compensation, especially in a market like Montpelier where opportunities might be fewer. Freelancers and those engaged in project-based work also reflect a dynamic element of the job market, where day rates and project fees can lead to significant earnings for experienced professionals.
About the Montpelier Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,172 | $20.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,501 | $23.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,034 | $29.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,942 | $37.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,152 | $46.22 |
Median Salary Position
4.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montpelier
In Montpelier, VT, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,980 (2026 est.). At $62,034, the local median is 4.67% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Montpelier: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Montpelier Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Montpelier median: $62,034/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Montpelier Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $67,355 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -4.67% less |
Graphic Designers in Montpelier, VT earn a median of $62,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.67% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.90% below the Vermont state average of $67,355.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Montpelier has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Montpelier, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,034 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,936 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,674
2025 BLS Actual
$60,017
2026 Current Est.
$62,034
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Montpelier (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,674 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,885 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,279 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,156 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,569 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,017 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,034 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,118 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montpelier metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $49,674 (2019) to $60,017 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,118 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,444 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montpelier 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) | $42,172 – $48,501 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,501 – $62,034 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,034 – $77,942 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,942 – $96,152 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Montpelier
The local job market features only four graphic designers currently employed in Montpelier, indicating a tight-knit community and a competitive scene for available roles. The cost of living index at 103.5 points to higher living expenses compared to the national average, which can affect take-home pay and quality of life. Employers offering the highest salaries tend to be found within corporate marketing departments of financial institutions, consumer goods companies, and technology firms, where steady salaries and benefits can be more generous than widely variable agency roles. Specializations such as motion graphics and brand identity usually command higher salaries, creating a significant difference in pay between general design roles and those with specific expertise. For designers looking to maximize their earnings in this market, building a strong portfolio, targeting freelance projects thoughtfully, and seeking clients who value high-quality design services over cost-cutting will be essential strategies.
More salary data for Montpelier, VT:
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 $60,017 for graphic designersin the Montpelier 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 Montpelier 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