Creative & Education Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Graphic Designer Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median graphic designer salary in Chesapeake, VA is $56,830 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$56,830
vs State Avg
$-3,480
vs National
$-1,160
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median graphic designer salary of $56,830, which is $3,480 below the Virginia state average of $60,310. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $35,672 at the 10th percentile to $96,236 at the 90th percentile — a $60,564 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,240, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,240. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Graphic Designer Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $37,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,240
$-760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,840
$-1,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,240
$-1,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $35,672
25th Percentile $44,492
Median (50th) $56,830
75th Percentile $73,108
90th Percentile $96,236

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$76,547
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$59,150
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$57,990
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$55,670
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open graphic designer positions in Chesapeake, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $56,830 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $35,672 (10th percentile) to $96,236 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,830, a graphic designer in Chesapeake earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median graphic designer salary of $56,830 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $60,310. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $56,830 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Chesapeake? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Chesapeake 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.