Graphic Designer salary in District of Columbia
Graphic Designers in District of Columbia earn a median of $87,920 a year ($42.27 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,150 workers.
Pay ranges from $62,240 for the lowest-paid 10% to $136,660 for the top 10%. That is 40% higher than the national median of $62,960. District of Columbia ranks 1st of 51 states for graphic designers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 1.6 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $94,630, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in District of Columbia
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $62,240 | $29.92 |
| 25th percentile | $75,300 | $36.20 |
| Median | $87,920 | $42.27 |
| 75th percentile | $114,280 | $54.94 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $136,660 | $65.70 |
| Average (mean) | $94,630 | $45.49 |
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 | $7,326.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,663.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,381.54 |
| Weekly | $1,690.77 |
| Hourly | $42.27 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $87,920 salary, see how much house you can afford in District of Columbia at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Graphic Designer salary in cities in District of Columbia
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $85,420 | 4,420 |
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 |
Related jobs in District of Columbia
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer | $98,450 | $47.33 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,460 | $18.97 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $76,900 | $36.97 |
| Floral Designer | $42,950 | $20.65 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $102,740 | $49.40 |
| Editor | $83,920 | $40.35 |
| Producers and Directors | $104,270 | $50.13 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $105,390 | $50.67 |
| Writers and Authors | $129,300 | $62.16 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $78,770 | $37.87 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $65,360 | — |
| Technical Writer | $117,810 | $56.64 |
| Film and Video Editors | $98,830 | $47.51 |
| Broadcast Technician | $108,270 | $52.05 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia?
The median salary for graphic designers in District of Columbia is $87,920 a year, or $42.27 an hour. Pay ranges from $62,240 for the lowest-paid 10% to $136,660 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in District of Columbia?
The top 10% of graphic designers in District of Columbia earn at least $136,660 a year. The top 25% earn $114,280 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in District of Columbia?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $62,240 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $75,300 or less.
How many graphic designers work in District of Columbia?
About 1,150 graphic designers are employed in District of Columbia, not counting the self-employed.