Graphic Designer salary in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
Graphic Designers in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ metro area earn a median of $71,750 a year ($34.49 an hour), based on BLS data for 250 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,320 for the top 10%. That is 14% higher than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 3% lower than the New Jersey statewide median of $73,790. There are 1.0 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $75,470, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,670 | $23.40 |
| 25th percentile | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Median | $71,750 | $34.49 |
| 75th percentile | $86,880 | $41.77 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $102,320 | $49.19 |
| Average (mean) | $75,470 | $36.29 |
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 | $5,979.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,989.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,759.62 |
| Weekly | $1,379.81 |
| Hourly | $34.49 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $71,750 salary, see how much house you can afford in New Jersey 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 |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $79,280 | 15,160 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $63,830 | 120 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $63,090 | 3,360 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $59,710 | 410 |
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 New Jersey statewide figures.
Related jobs in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $38,420 | $18.47 |
| Art Director | $121,540 | $58.43 |
| Interior Designer | $67,310 | $32.36 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $88,880 | $42.73 |
| Floral Designer | $42,460 | $20.41 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $84,990 | $40.86 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $74,620 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $110,190 | $52.98 |
| Editor | $86,870 | $41.77 |
| Writers and Authors | $90,060 | $43.30 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $44.96 |
| Technical Writer | $117,130 | $56.31 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $68,730 | $33.04 |
| Photographer | $43,940 | $21.13 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
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 Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ metro area is $71,750 a year, or $34.49 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,320 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ metro area earn at least $102,320 a year. The top 25% earn $86,880 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,670 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $59,990 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
About 250 graphic designers are employed in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ metro area, not counting the self-employed.