Graphic Designer salary in Massachusetts
Graphic Designers in Massachusetts earn a median of $76,710 a year ($36.88 an hour), based on BLS data for 4,450 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $108,970 for the top 10%. That is 22% higher than the national median of $62,960. Massachusetts ranks 4th of 51 states for graphic designers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 1.2 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $79,690, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Massachusetts
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,830 | $22.99 |
| 25th percentile | $60,030 | $28.86 |
| Median | $76,710 | $36.88 |
| 75th percentile | $95,990 | $46.15 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $108,970 | $52.39 |
| Average (mean) | $79,690 | $38.31 |
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 | $6,392.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,196.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,950.38 |
| Weekly | $1,475.19 |
| Hourly | $36.88 |
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 Massachusetts
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $78,270 | 3,560 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $76,140 | 60 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $70,450 | 970 |
| Worcester, MA | $66,810 | 310 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $65,710 | 50 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $65,510 | 70 |
| Springfield, MA | $63,760 | 150 |
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 Massachusetts
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,290 | $20.81 |
| Art Director | $149,320 | $71.79 |
| Interior Designer | $80,110 | $38.52 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $101,720 | $48.90 |
| Floral Designer | $46,460 | $22.34 |
| Fashion Designer | $103,520 | $49.77 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $74,540 | $35.84 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $94,890 | $45.62 |
| Craft Artist | $47,660 | $22.91 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $80,640 | $38.77 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $79,660 | $38.30 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $55,130 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $80,970 | $38.93 |
| Editor | $83,170 | $39.99 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts?
The median salary for graphic designers in Massachusetts is $76,710 a year, or $36.88 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $108,970 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Massachusetts?
The top 10% of graphic designers in Massachusetts earn at least $108,970 a year. The top 25% earn $95,990 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Massachusetts?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,830 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $60,030 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Massachusetts?
About 4,450 graphic designers are employed in Massachusetts, not counting the self-employed.