Creative & Education Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Graphic Designer Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median graphic designer salary in Cambridge, MA is $92,784 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$92,784
vs State Avg
+$14,497
vs National
+$34,794
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median graphic designer salary of $92,784, which is $14,497 above the Massachusetts state average of $78,287. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $92,784 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,990. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for graphic designers in Cambridge spans from $58,240 at the 10th percentile to $157,120 at the 90th percentile — a $98,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,800, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,800. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Graphic Designer Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $60,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,800
+$22,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,800
+$34,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,800
+$52,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $58,240
25th Percentile $72,640
Median (50th) $92,784
75th Percentile $119,360
90th Percentile $157,120

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$88,145
Pop. 675,647
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 Cambridge

Education

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

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open graphic designer positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $92,784 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $58,240 (10th percentile) to $157,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,784, a graphic designer in Cambridge earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Cambridge's median graphic designer salary of $92,784 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $78,287. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $92,784 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Cambridge? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Cambridge 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.