Graphic Designer salary in Rhode Island
Graphic Designers in Rhode Island earn a median of $78,220 a year ($37.61 an hour), based on BLS data for 750 workers.
Pay ranges from $49,330 for the lowest-paid 10% to $107,580 for the top 10%. That is 24% higher than the national median of $62,960. Rhode Island ranks 2nd of 51 states for graphic designers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 1.5 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $78,900, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Rhode Island
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $49,330 | $23.71 |
| 25th percentile | $62,050 | $29.83 |
| Median | $78,220 | $37.61 |
| 75th percentile | $93,370 | $44.89 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $107,580 | $51.72 |
| Average (mean) | $78,900 | $37.93 |
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 | $6,518.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,259.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,008.46 |
| Weekly | $1,504.23 |
| Hourly | $37.61 |
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 Rhode Island
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $70,450 | 970 |
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 Rhode Island
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer | $58,100 | $27.93 |
| Floral Designer | $36,420 | $17.51 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $101,140 | $48.62 |
| Art Director | $72,550 | $34.88 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,610 | $18.08 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $80,040 | $38.48 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $53,630 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $77,540 | $37.28 |
| Producers and Directors | $84,250 | $40.51 |
| Editor | $77,960 | $37.48 |
| Photographer | $37,300 | $17.93 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $82,320 | $39.58 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $64,070 | $30.80 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $74,570 | $35.85 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island?
The median salary for graphic designers in Rhode Island is $78,220 a year, or $37.61 an hour. Pay ranges from $49,330 for the lowest-paid 10% to $107,580 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Rhode Island?
The top 10% of graphic designers in Rhode Island earn at least $107,580 a year. The top 25% earn $93,370 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Rhode Island?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $49,330 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $62,050 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Rhode Island?
About 750 graphic designers are employed in Rhode Island, not counting the self-employed.