Graphic Designer Salary in Connecticut: $75,804 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Connecticut's 29 metropolitan areas, the average median graphic designer pay sits at $75,804/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 27-1024. Because Connecticut sits at BEA RPP 107.9 (8% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $70,254 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Bridgeport ($81,800), Stamford ($80,704), Danbury ($80,089).
In 2026, the average median salary for graphic designers in Connecticut is projected to be $75,804, which is significantly higher than the national median of $65,075, reflecting a difference of +16.5%. The highest paying city in the state is Bridgeport, where graphic designers can expect to earn about $84,548, while New London offers the lowest salaries at $67,242. This $17,306 salary gap between the highest and lowest paying cities can be attributed to various factors, including the concentration of industries, cost of living, and local demand for design services. Connecticut has specific state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that can influence job roles in this field, although there are currently no mandatory licensing regulations for graphic designers. The strong demand for skilled designers in sectors like marketing, advertising, and technology is contributing to a projected annual growth rate of 3.36% for graphic design jobs in the state. With approximately 2,010 graphic designers employed, cities such as Stamford ($83,416), Danbury ($82,780), Hartford ($73,251), and Shelton ($72,107) also represent promising opportunities. The job market outlook appears stable, making Connecticut a solid choice for aspiring graphic designers.
Connecticut Graphic Designer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Connecticut: $41,450 (lowest entry-level) to $129,294 (highest top earner)
Connecticut vs National Average
Connecticut graphic designers earn 16.49% more than the national median (+$10,729/year difference).
Connecticut Graphic Designer Salary Distribution (2026)
Graphic Designer salaries in Connecticut range from $48,922 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $110,610 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $75,804. The Connecticut median is $10,729 above the US national median of $65,075. The average hourly rate is $36.44/hr. Approximately 2,010 graphic designers are employed across 29 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,457
2025 BLS Actual
$73,340
2026 Current Est.
$75,804
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Connecticut (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,457 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,149 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,494 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,481 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,838 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,105 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,804 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,351 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Connecticut metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 27.6% from $57,457 (2019) to $73,340 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,351 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,894 (36.36%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Connecticut metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.36% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Connecticut
Lowest Paying Cities in Connecticut
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| New London | $67,242 |
| Cheshire | $67,450 |
| Enfield | $67,601 |
| Naugatuck | $67,697 |
| Norwich | $67,721 |
Best Value Cities for Graphic Designers in Connecticut
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Connecticut cities offer the most purchasing power for graphic designers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $84,548 | 106.864 | $79,117 |
| Stamford | $83,416 | 107.9 | $77,309 |
| Danbury | $82,780 | 107.9 | $76,719 |
| Hartford | $73,251 | 102.746 | $71,293 |
| Waterbury | $70,647 | 99.778 | $70,804 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Connecticut
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $48,922 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $75,804 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $110,610 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Connecticut metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 29 Cities in Connecticut
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bridgeport | $84,548 |
| 2 | Stamford | $83,416 |
| 3 | Danbury | $82,780 |
| 4 | Hartford | $73,251 |
| 5 | Shelton | $72,107 |
| 6 | East Hartford | $71,994 |
| 7 | West Hartford | $71,490 |
| 8 | Manchester | $71,247 |
| 9 | Waterbury | $70,647 |
| 10 | New Haven | $70,440 |
| 11 | Norwalk | $70,307 |
| 12 | Bristol | $70,083 |
| 13 | Stratford | $69,982 |
| 14 | Middletown | $69,895 |
| 15 | Meriden | $69,747 |
| 16 | Hamden | $69,518 |
| 17 | Fairfield | $69,467 |
| 18 | New Britain | $69,389 |
| 19 | Milford | $69,075 |
| 20 | West Haven | $69,048 |
| 21 | Torrington | $68,711 |
| 22 | Groton | $68,480 |
| 23 | Vernon | $68,201 |
| 24 | Glastonbury | $68,179 |
| 25 | Norwich | $67,721 |
| 26 | Naugatuck | $67,697 |
| 27 | Enfield | $67,601 |
| 28 | Cheshire | $67,450 |
| 29 | New London | $67,242 |
More Connecticut Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore graphic designer hourly pay in Connecticut cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced graphic designers.
Explore More Graphic Designer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Connecticut in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for graphic designers in Connecticut?
How does Connecticut graphic designer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in Connecticut?
How many graphic designers are employed in Connecticut?
Which Connecticut city offers the best value for graphic designers?
Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 graphic designer compensation across Connecticut. State averages are employment-weighted across 29 metro areas — larger metro areas with more graphic designerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov