Graphic Designer salary in Rochester, NY
Graphic Designers in the Rochester, NY metro area earn a median of $63,530 a year ($30.54 an hour), based on BLS data for 650 workers.
Pay ranges from $42,090 for the lowest-paid 10% to $103,440 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 18% lower than the New York statewide median of $77,340. There are 1.3 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $70,930, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Rochester, NY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $42,090 | $20.24 |
| 25th percentile | $49,740 | $23.92 |
| Median | $63,530 | $30.54 |
| 75th percentile | $81,180 | $39.03 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $103,440 | $49.73 |
| Average (mean) | $70,930 | $34.10 |
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 | $5,294.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,647.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,443.46 |
| Weekly | $1,221.73 |
| Hourly | $30.54 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $79,280 | 15,160 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $63,560 | 250 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $63,200 | 450 |
| Kingston, NY | $61,410 | 70 |
| Ithaca, NY | $61,250 | 40 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $60,000 | 540 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $58,550 | 120 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $56,540 | 50 |
| Binghamton, NY | $53,460 | 100 |
| Syracuse, NY | $52,390 | 290 |
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 York statewide figures.
Related jobs in Rochester, NY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,700 | $19.57 |
| Art Director | $102,070 | $49.07 |
| Interior Designer | $58,130 | $27.95 |
| Floral Designer | $37,650 | $18.10 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $87,570 | $42.10 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $50,850 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $71,740 | $34.49 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $77,770 | $37.39 |
| Producers and Directors | $83,030 | $39.92 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $55,000 | $26.44 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $46.86 |
| Editor | $76,620 | $36.84 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $84,130 | $40.45 |
| Photographer | $42,260 | $20.32 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Rochester, NY
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 Rochester, NY?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Rochester, NY metro area is $63,530 a year, or $30.54 an hour. Pay ranges from $42,090 for the lowest-paid 10% to $103,440 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Rochester, NY?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Rochester, NY metro area earn at least $103,440 a year. The top 25% earn $81,180 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Rochester, NY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $42,090 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $49,740 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Rochester, NY?
About 650 graphic designers are employed in the Rochester, NY metro area, not counting the self-employed.