Graphic Designer salary in Bellingham, WA
Graphic Designers in the Bellingham, WA metro area earn a median of $59,850 a year ($28.77 an hour), based on BLS data for 110 workers.
Pay ranges from $44,850 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,090 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 18% lower than the Washington statewide median of $72,710. There are 1.2 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $65,560, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Bellingham, WA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,850 | $21.56 |
| 25th percentile | $49,490 | $23.79 |
| Median | $59,850 | $28.77 |
| 75th percentile | $76,210 | $36.64 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $99,090 | $47.64 |
| Average (mean) | $65,560 | $31.52 |
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 | $4,987.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,493.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,301.92 |
| Weekly | $1,150.96 |
| Hourly | $28.77 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $76,720 | 2,710 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $75,650 | 3,090 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $74,520 | 90 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $70,420 | 80 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $67,710 | 110 |
| Yakima, WA | $57,970 | 50 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $56,530 | 270 |
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 Washington statewide figures.
Related jobs in Bellingham, WA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $48,770 | $23.45 |
| Interior Designer | $66,810 | $32.12 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,430 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $77,320 | $37.17 |
| Producers and Directors | $92,220 | $44.34 |
| Editor | $62,290 | $29.95 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Bellingham, WA
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 Bellingham, WA?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Bellingham, WA metro area is $59,850 a year, or $28.77 an hour. Pay ranges from $44,850 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,090 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Bellingham, WA?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Bellingham, WA metro area earn at least $99,090 a year. The top 25% earn $76,210 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Bellingham, WA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $44,850 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $49,490 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Bellingham, WA?
About 110 graphic designers are employed in the Bellingham, WA metro area, not counting the self-employed.