Creative & Education Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Graphic Designer Salary in Rhode Island

The median graphic designer salary in Rhode Island is $60,890 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $57,990.

Median Salary
$60,890
vs National
+$2,900
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Graphic Designer Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for graphic designer compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for graphic designer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $60,890 per year, graphic designers in Rhode Island earn $2,900 more than the national median of $57,990.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning graphic designer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: graphic designers at the 10th percentile earn $38,220, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $103,110 — a $64,890 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $62,629.

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for graphic designers across the country.

Graphic Designer Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island 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

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

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

Graphic Designer Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for graphic designers in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Rhode Island

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Rhode Island has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Rhode Island's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,890, a graphic designer in Rhode Island earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for graphic designers? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for graphic designer pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level graphic designers earn $39,900, while senior professionals earn $92,400.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for graphic designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for graphic designers is Hawaii at $98,583. Rhode Island's median of $60,890 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($60,890) and New Hampshire ($60,890).
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level graphic designer in Rhode Island earns approximately $39,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,400.
What city in Rhode Island pays graphic designers the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for graphic designers, with a median salary of $62,629. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.