Graphic Designer Salary in Portsmouth, VA: $60,129 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Portsmouth, VA earns a median $60,129/year (≈ $28.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $58,265 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Portsmouth, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $60,129, which reflects a notable -7.60% difference compared to the national median of $65,075. The salary range indicates a wide disparity, with entry-level positions starting around $38,132 and experienced professionals earning up to $93,200. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, provide a keen insight into the potential earnings within the local market. The dynamics of the graphic designer pay in Portsmouth VA are influenced by factors such as the choice between freelance work and full-time employment, with freelancers often facing a commoditized environment at the lower end while established designers can command higher rates for specialized projects.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,132 | $18.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,722 | $22.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,129 | $28.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,965 | $37.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,200 | $44.81 |
Median Salary Position
7.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, VA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,068 (2026 est.). At $60,129, the local median is 7.6% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portsmouth Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $60,129/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $62,116 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -7.60% less |
Graphic Designers in Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $60,129 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.60% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $62,116.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,129 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,265 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,149
2025 BLS Actual
$58,174
2026 Current Est.
$60,129
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,149 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,322 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,855 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,582 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,432 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,913 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,174 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,129 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,149 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $48,149 (2019) to $58,174 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,149 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,000 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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) | $38,132 – $46,722 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,722 – $60,129 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,129 – $76,965 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,965 – $93,200 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Portsmouth
Looking deeper into the local job market reveals that there are currently 17 graphic designers employed in Portsmouth, a relatively small number that underscores a unique competitive environment. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, designers in the area may find their take-home purchasing power slightly affected in comparison to national averages. Key employers paying more in Portsmouth include corporate marketing teams within banks, consumer packaged goods, and technology sectors, along with established advertising and brand agencies. The variation in salaries stems from the specialty between visual areas; those skilled in motion graphics or brand identity typically earn higher wages compared to general graphic design roles. To maximize earnings in this market, designers should focus on building a strong portfolio, considering in-house positions that offer benefits, or targeting premium freelance projects that leverage their unique skills in highly sought-after areas of design.
More salary data for Portsmouth, 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 $58,174 for graphic designersin the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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