Graphic Designer Salary in Hampton, VA: $62,071 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Hampton, VA earns a median $62,071/year (≈ $29.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Hampton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $60,146 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a graphic designer salary in Hampton, Virginia, is projected to be $62,071. This figure reflects a range from $39,783 at the 10th percentile to $96,210 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating the varied earning potential within the field. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, indicate that designers in Hampton can find solid opportunities for income growth. When comparing this local median to the national average, which stands at $65,075, it becomes evident that graphic designer pay in Hampton VA lags slightly behind, presenting a clear picture of the local market dynamics.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,783 | $19.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,611 | $23.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,071 | $29.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,451 | $38.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,210 | $46.25 |
Median Salary Position
4.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hampton
In Hampton, VA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,427 (2026 est.). At $62,071, the local median is 4.62% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hampton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hampton Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Hampton median: $62,071/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hampton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $62,133 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -4.62% less |
Graphic Designers in Hampton, VA earn a median of $62,071 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.62% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.10% below the Virginia state average of $62,133.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hampton has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hampton, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,071 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,146 — a 3.1% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$49,704
2025 BLS Actual
$60,053
2026 Current Est.
$62,071
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,704 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,915 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,369 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,312 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,190 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,913 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,053 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,071 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,156 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hampton metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $49,704 (2019) to $60,053 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,156 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,452 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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) | $39,783 – $48,611 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,611 – $62,071 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,071 – $79,451 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,451 – $96,210 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Hampton
Amid a workforce of 24 graphic designers in the area, the cost of living in Hampton stands at a slightly above-average index of 103.2. This factor impacts take-home pay and purchasing power, particularly for those entering the job market with varying levels of experience. In Hampton, the highest-paying employers tend to be corporate marketing teams, particularly within the banking and consumer packaged goods sectors, and established advertising agencies. The salary range for designers is influenced by factors such as the specialty of work, agency tier, and overall portfolio strength. Freelancers can command high day rates for project work, but many compete in a saturated market, often diminishing profit margins. To effectively maximize pay, designers should consider honing their skills in high-demand areas like motion graphics or brand identity, as these specialties typically offer premium compensation.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Hampton, VA in 2026?
Is Hampton, VA a good place to work as a graphic designer?
Can graphic designers make $100K in Hampton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Hampton?
How much does a graphic designer make per hour in Hampton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $60,053 for graphic designersin the Hampton 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 Hampton 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