Graphic Designer Salary in Manassas, VA: $60,418 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Manassas, VA earns a median $60,418/year (≈ $29.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Manassas's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $58,545 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the graphic designer salary in Manassas, Virginia, is projected to reach a median of $60,418, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national median of $65,075. With a salary range from $40,234 at the 10th percentile to $93,648 at the 90th percentile, designers in this region can benefit from the specialty premium attributed to motion graphics and brand identity work. Estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities, illustrating that graphic designers in Manassas are positioned within a diverse job market that caters to various design specialties. This highlights the potential for lucrative opportunities, especially for those who can innovate within niche areas.
About the Manassas Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,234 | $19.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,162 | $23.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,418 | $29.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,335 | $37.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,648 | $45.02 |
Median Salary Position
7.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manassas
In Manassas, VA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,414 (2026 est.). At $60,418, the local median is 7.16% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manassas: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manassas Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Manassas median: $60,418/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manassas Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $62,158 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -7.16% less |
Graphic Designers in Manassas, VA earn a median of $60,418 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.16% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.80% below the Virginia state average of $62,158.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manassas has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manassas, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,418 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,545 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,381
2025 BLS Actual
$58,454
2026 Current Est.
$60,418
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Manassas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,381 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,081 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,694 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,211 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,454 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,418 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,448 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manassas metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $48,381 (2019) to $58,454 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,448 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,067 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manassas 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) | $40,234 – $48,162 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,162 – $60,418 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,418 – $77,335 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,335 – $93,648 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Manassas
Examining the local job market, there are currently nine graphic designers employed in Manassas, VA, which indicates a tight-knit community with potential collaboration among professionals. The cost-of-living index stands at 103.2, suggesting that while salaries may not be as high as the national average, the purchasing power can still be reasonable relative to local expenses. Employers that tend to pay the highest in the area include in-house corporate marketing teams from banks, retailers, and tech firms, as well as reputable advertising agencies. To enhance earnings, designers should focus on building a strong portfolio that emphasizes specialties like motion graphics and brand identity, as these areas command higher rates. Understanding the agency versus in-house trade-off and positioning oneself for advancement into roles like creative director can also significantly impact graphic designer pay in Manassas, VA.
More salary data for Manassas, 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 $58,454 for graphic designersin the Manassas 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 Manassas 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