Creative & Education Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Graphic Designer Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median graphic designer salary in Boston, MA is $88,145 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$88,145
vs State Avg
+$9,858
vs National
+$30,155
Cost of Living
152%

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

Boston offers a median graphic designer salary of $88,145, which is $9,858 above the Massachusetts state average of $78,287. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $88,145 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,990. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for graphic designers in Boston spans from $55,328 at the 10th percentile to $149,264 at the 90th percentile — a $93,936 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,760, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $133,760. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Graphic Designer Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $57,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,760
+$19,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,160
+$30,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,760
+$45,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $55,328
25th Percentile $69,008
Median (50th) $88,145
75th Percentile $113,392
90th Percentile $149,264

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$92,784
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$63,789
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$60,890
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$56,830
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Boston

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts 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 Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Boston

Browse open graphic designer positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Boston

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $88,145 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $55,328 (10th percentile) to $149,264 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,145, a graphic designer in Boston earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Boston's median graphic designer salary of $88,145 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $78,287. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $88,145 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Boston? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Boston 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.