Graphic Designer salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Graphic Designers in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area earn a median of $78,270 a year ($37.63 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,560 workers.
Pay ranges from $51,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $116,000 for the top 10%. That is 24% higher than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 2% higher than the Massachusetts statewide median of $76,710. There are 1.3 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $82,350, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $51,440 | $24.73 |
| 25th percentile | $61,490 | $29.56 |
| Median | $78,270 | $37.63 |
| 75th percentile | $98,260 | $47.24 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $116,000 | $55.77 |
| Average (mean) | $82,350 | $39.59 |
Half of graphic designers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,522.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,261.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,010.38 |
| Weekly | $1,505.19 |
| Hourly | $37.63 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $78,270 salary, see how much house you can afford in Massachusetts at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Graphic Designer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | $76,140 | 60 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $70,450 | 970 |
| Worcester, MA | $66,810 | 310 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $65,710 | 50 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $65,510 | 70 |
| Springfield, MA | $63,760 | 150 |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH | $59,040 | 200 |
Highest-paying states for graphic designers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $87,920 |
| Rhode Island | $78,220 |
| New York | $77,340 |
| Massachusetts | $76,710 |
| California | $75,130 |
| Maryland | $75,120 |
| New Jersey | $73,790 |
| Washington | $72,710 |
| Connecticut | $72,700 |
| Virginia | $72,310 |
See Graphic Designer pay in every state or the Massachusetts statewide figures.
Related jobs in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $44,070 | $21.19 |
| Art Director | $151,820 | $72.99 |
| Interior Designer | $81,480 | $39.17 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $102,530 | $49.29 |
| Floral Designer | $47,220 | $22.70 |
| Fashion Designer | $106,630 | $51.27 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $74,710 | $35.92 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $92,100 | $44.28 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $80,640 | $38.77 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $81,440 | $39.16 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $56,220 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $83,850 | $40.31 |
| Editor | $86,410 | $41.54 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $75,120 | $36.12 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-1024. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a graphic designer make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area is $78,270 a year, or $37.63 an hour. Pay ranges from $51,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $116,000 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area earn at least $116,000 a year. The top 25% earn $98,260 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $51,440 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $61,490 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
About 3,560 graphic designers are employed in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, not counting the self-employed.