Graphic Designer Salary in Bristol, CT: $70,083 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Bristol, CT earns a median $70,083/year (≈ $33.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $64,952 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Bristol, Connecticut, can anticipate a median salary of $70,083, reflecting an attractive premium of 7.70% over the national average of $65,075. The salary range for this profession in Bristol spans from $41,673 at the 10th percentile to $108,629 at the 90th percentile, indicating a considerable disparity in earnings based on experience, skill specialization, and job role. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities reveal that distinct specializations, such as motion graphics and brand identity, contribute significantly to income potential. Notably, the job market shows a growing appetite for design talent, indicating healthy demand for graphic designers in the area.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,673 | $20.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,530 | $27.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,083 | $33.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,706 | $43.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,629 | $52.23 |
Median Salary Position
7.70% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, CT, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,956 (2026 est.). At $70,083, the local median is 7.7% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Bristol median: $70,083/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $70,648 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +7.70% more |
Graphic Designers in Bristol, CT earn a median of $70,083 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.70% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $70,648.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,083 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,952 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,120
2025 BLS Actual
$67,805
2026 Current Est.
$70,083
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,488 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,612 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,453 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,443 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,786 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,805 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,083 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,438 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $56,120 (2019) to $67,805 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,438 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,318 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $41,673 – $56,530 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,530 – $70,083 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,083 – $89,706 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,706 – $108,629 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Bristol
With only 13 graphic designers currently employed in Bristol, the market reflects both a tight labor pool and opportunities for competitive pay. The area's cost-of-living index sits at 107.9, slightly above the national average, which influences take-home pay and overall purchasing power for designers. Employers with the highest salaries in Bristol are often found in in-house corporate settings, particularly within financial services and consumer packaged goods, as well as top-tier advertising agencies. The variance in compensation in this market is driven by specialization, with motion graphics and brand identity holding stronger economic value compared to general design roles. Designers aiming to maximize their earnings should focus on building a robust portfolio showcasing their specialty, particularly in high-demand areas, and consider the benefits of networking within local agencies known for premium compensation.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Bristol, CT in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $67,805 for graphic designersin the Bristol metropolitan area. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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