Creative & Education Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Graphic Designer Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median graphic designer salary in Philadelphia, PA is $59,150 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$59,150
vs State Avg
+$3,480
vs National
+$1,160
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median graphic designer salary of $59,150, which is $3,480 above the Pennsylvania state average of $55,670. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $37,128 at the 10th percentile to $100,164 at the 90th percentile — a $63,036 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,760, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $89,760. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Graphic Designer Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $38,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,760
+$760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,160
+$1,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,760
+$1,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $37,128
25th Percentile $46,308
Median (50th) $59,150
75th Percentile $76,092
90th Percentile $100,164

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$54,511
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$53,931
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$51,031
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$48,712
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open graphic designer positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $59,150 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $37,128 (10th percentile) to $100,164 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,150, a graphic designer in Philadelphia earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median graphic designer salary of $59,150 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $55,670. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $59,150 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Philadelphia? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Philadelphia 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.