Creative & Education Hartford, CT Pop. 121,054

Graphic Designer Salary in Hartford, Connecticut

The median graphic designer salary in Hartford, CT is $60,890 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 6.2% below the Connecticut state average.

City Median
$60,890
vs State Avg
$-4,059
vs National
+$2,900
Cost of Living
105%

Graphic Designer Pay in Hartford: What to Expect (2026)

Hartford offers a median graphic designer salary of $60,890, which is $4,059 below the Connecticut state average of $64,949. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Hartford pays above average for this role.

Hartford's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for graphic designers in Hartford spans from $38,220 at the 10th percentile to $103,110 at the 90th percentile — a $64,890 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,900, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,400. With a population of 121,054, Hartford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Graphic Designer Salary in Hartford by Experience

In Hartford, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,900
+$1,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,900
+$2,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
+$4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hartford, CT

Percentile Hartford
10th Percentile $38,220
25th Percentile $47,670
Median (50th) $60,890
75th Percentile $78,330
90th Percentile $103,110

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Connecticut Cities

Stamford, CT
$80,026
Pop. 135,470
New Haven, CT
$63,789
Pop. 134,023
Bridgeport, CT
$62,629
Pop. 148,529
Waterbury, CT
$56,830
Pop. 114,403

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Hartford

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Hartford and the surrounding Connecticut area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Hartford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Hartford

Browse open graphic designer positions in Hartford, CT:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Hartford

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Hartford, CT? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Hartford, Connecticut is $60,890 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $38,220 (10th percentile) to $103,110 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Hartford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,890, a graphic designer in Hartford earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hartford compare to the Connecticut state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Hartford's median graphic designer salary of $60,890 is 6.2% below the Connecticut state average of $64,949. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hartford, CT? ▼
Hartford has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $60,890 in Hartford has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Hartford? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Hartford require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Color Theory. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.