Graphic Designer salary in Maryland
Graphic Designers in Maryland earn a median of $75,120 a year ($36.12 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,050 workers.
Pay ranges from $44,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $109,630 for the top 10%. That is 19% higher than the national median of $62,960. Maryland ranks 6th of 51 states for graphic designers pay. There are 1.1 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $77,770, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Maryland
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,810 | $21.54 |
| 25th percentile | $57,600 | $27.69 |
| Median | $75,120 | $36.12 |
| 75th percentile | $94,930 | $45.64 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $109,630 | $52.71 |
| Average (mean) | $77,770 | $37.39 |
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 | $6,260 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,130 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,889.23 |
| Weekly | $1,444.62 |
| Hourly | $36.12 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Graphic Designer salary in cities in Maryland
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $85,420 | 4,420 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $75,790 | 1,350 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $67,570 | 60 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $63,090 | 3,360 |
| Salisbury, MD | $61,950 | 40 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $47,670 | 90 |
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 Maryland
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,370 | $20.85 |
| Interior Designer | $65,070 | $31.29 |
| Art Director | $98,400 | $47.31 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $70,870 | $34.07 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $128,610 | $61.83 |
| Floral Designer | $41,020 | $19.72 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $80,540 | $38.72 |
| Designers, All Other | $60,910 | $29.28 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $85,830 | $41.27 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $66,180 | $31.82 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $79,560 | $38.25 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $50,590 | — |
| Editor | $75,550 | $36.32 |
| Technical Writer | $100,990 | $48.55 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Maryland
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 Maryland?
The median salary for graphic designers in Maryland is $75,120 a year, or $36.12 an hour. Pay ranges from $44,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $109,630 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Maryland?
The top 10% of graphic designers in Maryland earn at least $109,630 a year. The top 25% earn $94,930 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Maryland?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $44,810 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $57,600 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Maryland?
About 3,050 graphic designers are employed in Maryland, not counting the self-employed.