Graphic Designer Salary in Delaware: $56,835 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Delaware's 6 metropolitan areas, the average median graphic designer pay sits at $56,835/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 27-1024. Because Delaware sits at BEA RPP 101.7 (2% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $55,885 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Wilmington ($64,168), Newark ($63,617), Bear ($61,361).
The average median salary for graphic designers in Delaware in 2026 is projected to be $56,835, which is 12.7% lower than the national median of $65,075. The salary range varies significantly across the state, with Wilmington offering the highest average salary at $66,324, while Dover has the lowest at $51,153, creating a gap of $15,171. This disparity can be attributed to factors such as the concentration of businesses and demand for design services in urban areas compared to more rural locations. Delaware has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that may affect design work, though they are generally less stringent than in some other creative fields. The graphic design job market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.36%, reflecting a steady demand for design services fueled by digital media expansion and marketing needs. Key cities for employment opportunities include Newark at $65,755, Bear at $63,423, Smyrna at $61,312, and Middletown at $61,148. As the industry evolves, graphic designers in Delaware should be prepared to adapt to new technologies and trends to meet client needs effectively.
Delaware Graphic Designer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Delaware: $37,148 (lowest entry-level) to $102,802 (highest top earner)
Delaware vs National Average
Delaware graphic designers earn 12.66% less than the national median ($-8,240/year difference).
Delaware Graphic Designer Salary Distribution (2026)
Graphic Designer salaries in Delaware range from $39,073 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $88,313 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $56,835. The Delaware median is $8,240 below the US national median of $65,075. The average hourly rate is $27.32/hr. Approximately 72 graphic designers are employed across 6 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,511
2025 BLS Actual
$54,987
2026 Current Est.
$56,835
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Delaware (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,511 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,289 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,010 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,338 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,987 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,835 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,745 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Delaware metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $45,511 (2019) to $54,987 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,745 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,234 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Delaware 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 Delaware
Lowest Paying Cities in Delaware
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Dover | $51,153 |
| Middletown | $61,148 |
| Smyrna | $61,312 |
| Bear | $63,423 |
| Newark | $65,755 |
Best Value Cities for Graphic Designers in Delaware
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Delaware cities offer the most purchasing power for graphic designers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | $66,324 | 101.7 | $65,215 |
| Newark | $65,755 | 101.7 | $64,656 |
| Bear | $63,423 | 101.7 | $62,363 |
| Smyrna | $61,312 | 101.7 | $60,287 |
| Middletown | $61,148 | 101.7 | $60,126 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $39,073 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $56,835 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $88,313 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Delaware metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 6 Cities in Delaware
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilmington | $66,324 |
| 2 | Newark | $65,755 |
| 3 | Bear | $63,423 |
| 4 | Smyrna | $61,312 |
| 5 | Middletown | $61,148 |
| 6 | Dover | $51,153 |
More Delaware Salary Data
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 Delaware in 2026?
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How does Delaware graphic designer pay compare to the national average?
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Which Delaware 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 Delaware. State averages are employment-weighted across 6 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, 4-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