Graphic Designer salary in Salem, OR
Graphic Designers in the Salem, OR metro area earn a median of $65,720 a year ($31.59 an hour), based on BLS data for 210 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,630 for the lowest-paid 10% to $88,550 for the top 10%. That is 4% higher than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is about the same as the Oregon statewide median of $66,040. There are 1.1 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $65,470, close to the median.
Pay range for graphic designers in Salem, OR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,630 | $18.09 |
| 25th percentile | $51,020 | $24.53 |
| Median | $65,720 | $31.59 |
| 75th percentile | $77,260 | $37.14 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $88,550 | $42.57 |
| Average (mean) | $65,470 | $31.48 |
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 | $5,476.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,738.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,527.69 |
| Weekly | $1,263.85 |
| Hourly | $31.59 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $75,650 | 3,090 |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | $57,970 | 200 |
| Bend, OR | $57,800 | 130 |
| Albany, OR | $55,250 | 40 |
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 Oregon statewide figures.
Related jobs in Salem, OR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,750 | $21.04 |
| Floral Designer | $45,120 | $21.69 |
| Interior Designer | $64,750 | $31.13 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $64,790 | $31.15 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $87,740 | $42.18 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $44,400 | — |
| Editor | $80,650 | $38.77 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $80,960 | $38.92 |
| Producers and Directors | $98,900 | $47.55 |
| Technical Writer | $84,000 | $40.38 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $56,730 | $27.27 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Salem, OR
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 Salem, OR?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Salem, OR metro area is $65,720 a year, or $31.59 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,630 for the lowest-paid 10% to $88,550 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Salem, OR?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Salem, OR metro area earn at least $88,550 a year. The top 25% earn $77,260 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Salem, OR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,630 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $51,020 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Salem, OR?
About 210 graphic designers are employed in the Salem, OR metro area, not counting the self-employed.