Graphic Designer Salary in Burke, VA: $61,363 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Burke, VA earns a median $61,363/year (≈ $29.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Burke's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $59,460 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a graphic designer salary in Burke, VA, is projected to reach $61,363, reflecting a competitive local market despite being slightly lower than the national median of $65,075. Local salaries exhibit a range from $39,235 at the lower end (P10) to $95,112 at the upper end (P90), indicating the potential for substantial earnings based on experience and specialization. These figures, derived from the 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, demonstrate the influence of the agency versus in-house corporate choices on compensation. Burke's job market appears stable, with a focus on companies seeking skilled designers who can contribute to both branding and multi-channel marketing efforts.
About the Burke Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,235 | $18.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,713 | $22.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,363 | $29.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,544 | $37.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,112 | $45.73 |
Median Salary Position
5.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burke
In Burke, VA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,877 (2026 est.). At $61,363, the local median is 5.7% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burke: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burke Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Burke median: $61,363/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burke Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $62,171 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -5.70% less |
Graphic Designers in Burke, VA earn a median of $61,363 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.70% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.30% below the Virginia state average of $62,171.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burke has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burke, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,363 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,460 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,137
2025 BLS Actual
$59,368
2026 Current Est.
$61,363
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Burke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,137 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,335 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,817 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,682 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,549 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,184 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,368 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,363 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,425 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burke metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $49,137 (2019) to $59,368 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,425 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,288 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burke 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) | $39,235 – $47,713 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,713 – $61,363 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,363 – $78,544 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,544 – $95,112 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Burke
For the ten graphic designers currently employed in Burke, the local cost of living index of 103.2 suggests that take-home pay may not stretch as far as in areas with lower living costs. This reality underscores the importance of considering employer type. In-house corporate marketing teams generally provide reliable salary structures and benefits, while advertising agencies may offer higher creative freedom and potential for significant income growth. The disparity in compensation often stems from specialization in areas like motion graphics or brand identity, where expertise can command premium rates. Freelancing is another avenue but tends to favor established professionals with strong portfolios. Designers can maximize their pay in Burke by developing niche skills, building a noteworthy portfolio, and actively networking within the local industry.
More salary data for Burke, VA:
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 $59,368 for graphic designersin the Burke 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 Burke 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