Graphic Designer Salary in Scarborough, ME: $61,840 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Scarborough, ME earns a median $61,840/year (≈ $29.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Scarborough's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $62,088 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Scarborough, ME, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $61,840, reflecting a slight decrease of about 4.97% compared to the national median of $65,075. The salary range for these professionals spans from $40,482 at the 10th percentile up to $94,346 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from state-level BLS data and regional price adjustments, indicate that graphic designers specializing in motion graphics or brand identity may earn premiums, suggesting that focusing on these high-demand skills significantly enhances income potential in Scarborough's competitive job market.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,482 | $19.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,043 | $24.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,840 | $29.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,634 | $36.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,346 | $45.35 |
Median Salary Position
4.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scarborough
In Scarborough, ME, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,864 (2026 est.). At $61,840, the local median is 4.97% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Scarborough: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Scarborough Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Scarborough median: $61,840/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Scarborough Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $64,822 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -4.97% less |
Graphic Designers in Scarborough, ME earn a median of $61,840 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.97% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 4.60% below the Maine state average of $64,822.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Scarborough has a cost of living 0.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Scarborough, ME has a cost-of-living index of 99.6 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $61,840 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,088 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,519
2025 BLS Actual
$59,830
2026 Current Est.
$61,840
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Scarborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,519 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,726 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,189 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,107 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,981 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,266 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,840 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,918 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Scarborough metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $49,519 (2019) to $59,830 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,918 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,399 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scarborough 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) | $40,482 – $51,043 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,043 – $61,840 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,840 – $76,634 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,634 – $94,346 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Scarborough
With only five graphic designers currently employed in Scarborough, the local job market presents a unique dynamic. The cost-of-living index stands at 99.6, slightly below the national average, affecting the purchasing power of designers in the area. In-house corporate marketing teams, especially in sectors like finance and consumer packaged goods, tend to offer higher salaries compared to advertising agencies, which often prize creativity but may start lower on the pay scale. Factors influencing the variation in salaries include the level of specialization and market demand, where those with robust portfolios and experience in sought-after fields can command rates significantly above average. Designers should consider strategic choices such as refining their specialty skills and networking within Scarborough's niche market to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can graphic designers make $100K in Scarborough?
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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 $59,830 for graphic designersin the Scarborough 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 Scarborough 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