Graphic Designer salary in Albuquerque, NM
Graphic Designers in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn a median of $63,810 a year ($30.68 an hour), based on BLS data for 480 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $75,680 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 12% higher than the New Mexico statewide median of $56,730. There are 1.2 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $61,520, close to the median.
Pay range for graphic designers in Albuquerque, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,980 | $18.74 |
| 25th percentile | $47,860 | $23.01 |
| Median | $63,810 | $30.68 |
| 75th percentile | $70,520 | $33.90 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $75,680 | $36.39 |
| Average (mean) | $61,520 | $29.58 |
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 | $5,317.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,658.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,454.23 |
| Weekly | $1,227.12 |
| Hourly | $30.68 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Graphic Designer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | $45,170 | 120 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $43,940 | 40 |
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 Mexico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Albuquerque, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,580 | $18.07 |
| Floral Designer | $35,000 | $16.83 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $65,810 | $31.64 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $54,000 | $25.96 |
| Interior Designer | $54,530 | $26.22 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $73,640 | $35.40 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $45,380 | — |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $46,220 | $22.22 |
| Producers and Directors | $59,910 | $28.80 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $75,230 | $36.17 |
| Technical Writer | $86,790 | $41.72 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $50,860 | $24.45 |
| Editor | $65,190 | $31.34 |
| Photographer | $48,090 | $23.12 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Albuquerque, NM
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 Albuquerque, NM?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Albuquerque, NM metro area is $63,810 a year, or $30.68 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $75,680 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Albuquerque, NM?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn at least $75,680 a year. The top 25% earn $70,520 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Albuquerque, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,980 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $47,860 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Albuquerque, NM?
About 480 graphic designers are employed in the Albuquerque, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.