Graphic Designer Salary in Washington (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Graphic Designers in Washington, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Washington Median
$72,710
per year
Hourly Rate
$34.96
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+15% vs US median
US median $62,960
State Rank
#8 of 51
3,960 employed here

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Washington?

A Graphic Designer working in Washington earns a median salary of $72,710 per year, or about $34.96 per hour. That is 15% above the national median of $62,960 for this occupation.

Within Washington, entry-level pay starts around $47,780 while the top 10% make $115,210 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $57,390 and $93,490 a year.

Graphic Designer salary range in Washington

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$47,780$22.97
25th percentile (early career)$57,390$27.59
50th percentile (median)$72,710$34.96
75th percentile (experienced)$93,490$44.95
90th percentile (top earners)$115,210$55.39

How Washington compares

Washington ranks 8th out of 51 states and territories for Graphic Designer pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$87,920
2Rhode Island$78,220
3New York$77,340
4Massachusetts$76,710
5California$75,130

Working as a Graphic Designer in Washington

Nationally, about 198,000 people work as Graphic Designers in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Washington pay ($72,710) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Washington?
The median Graphic Designer salary in Washington is $72,710 per year, or about $34.96 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $47,780 at the entry level to $115,210 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Washington pay compare to the national average?
Washington pays Graphic Designers about 15% more than the national median of $62,960. Washington ranks 8th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Washington a good state for Graphic Designers?
Yes on pay — Washington pays above the national median for this occupation, at $72,710 a year. About 3,960 Graphic Designers are employed in Washington. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Washington?
The highest-paying occupations in Washington include Cardiologist ($656,330), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($553,310), Dermatologist ($526,170), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Graphic Designer salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.