Graphic Designer Salary in Ellicott City, MD: $71,433 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Ellicott City, MD earns a median $71,433/year (≈ $34.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Ellicott City's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $65,355 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Ellicott City, Maryland, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $71,433, which is notably higher than the national median of $65,075. This area offers a salary range from $43,892 at the lower end (P10) to $110,721 at the upper tier (P90), indicating a healthy market for design professionals with varying levels of experience and specialization. These figures are part of estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. Ellicott City has a vibrant job market for graphic designers, particularly for those who specialize in motion graphics and brand identity, where the premium pay reflects the complexity of the work and its demand in the local economy.
About the Ellicott City Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,892 | $21.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,395 | $26.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,433 | $34.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,256 | $43.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,721 | $53.23 |
Median Salary Position
9.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellicott City
In Ellicott City, MD, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,829 (2026 est.). At $71,433, the local median is 9.77% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ellicott City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ellicott City Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Ellicott City median: $71,433/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellicott City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $71,149 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | +9.77% more |
Graphic Designers in Ellicott City, MD earn a median of $71,433 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.77% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.40% above the Maryland state average of $71,149.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellicott City has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellicott City, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,433 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,355 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,201
2025 BLS Actual
$69,111
2026 Current Est.
$71,433
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Ellicott City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,201 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,595 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,664 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,655 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,665 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,111 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,433 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,833 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellicott City metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $57,201 (2019) to $69,111 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,833 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,632 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellicott City 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) | $43,892 – $54,395 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,395 – $71,433 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,433 – $91,256 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,256 – $110,721 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Ellicott City
With 15 graphic designers currently employed in Ellicott City, the job market appears stable, yet competitive. The cost of living index is at 109.3, slightly above the national average, which may affect take-home pay depending on individual financial circumstances. Those seeking higher salaries may find opportunities with local in-house corporate marketing teams at banks or tech firms, or at branding agencies that are known to offer premium compensation for top talent. Differences in pay are often driven by specialties, such as motion graphics, as well as by the tier of the employing agency; top-tier firms tend to offer higher pay for roles like creative directors. For designers aiming to maximize their income in Ellicott City, building a strong portfolio and continuing to develop in-demand skills may lead to better opportunities and financial outcomes.
More salary data for Ellicott City, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $69,111 for graphic designersin the Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City 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