Graphic Designer Salary in Brookline, MA: $66,426 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Brookline, MA earns a median $66,426/year (≈ $31.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Brookline's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $61,222 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Freelancing offers a range of opportunities for graphic designers in Brookline, MA, with a median salary projected at $66,426 for 2026. This compares favorably to the national median of $65,075, showcasing a slight premium of 2.08%. Salaries in the area range from $42,440 at the 10th percentile to $102,961 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating a diverse earning potential depending on skill level, experience, and project type. Designed with regional price parity in mind, these estimates derived from 2025 BLS data illustrate the supportive environment for designers, particularly for those with specialized skills in motion graphics or brand identity. The competitive market here reflects a healthy demand for skilled design professionals, making Brookline an attractive destination for aspiring graphic designers.
About the Brookline Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,440 | $20.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,801 | $24.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,426 | $31.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,026 | $40.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,961 | $49.50 |
Median Salary Position
2.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookline
In Brookline, MA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,521 (2026 est.). At $66,426, the local median is 2.08% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brookline: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brookline Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Brookline median: $66,426/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brookline Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $68,481 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +2.08% more |
Graphic Designers in Brookline, MA earn a median of $66,426 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.08% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 3.00% below the Massachusetts state average of $68,481.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brookline has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brookline, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,426 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,222 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,192
2025 BLS Actual
$64,267
2026 Current Est.
$66,426
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Brookline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,192 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,488 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,763 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,194 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,133 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,927 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,267 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,426 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,658 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brookline metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $53,192 (2019) to $64,267 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,658 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,466 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookline 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) | $42,440 – $51,801 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,801 – $66,426 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,426 – $85,026 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,026 – $102,961 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Brookline
In 2026, the local job market is set to employ around 13 graphic designers, indicating a focused but potentially thriving community for visual arts. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, Brookline experiences the realities of higher living expenses, which can impact purchasing power for designers—especially those just starting or working in lower-paying roles. Top employers in the area include in-house corporate teams from sectors like consumer packaged goods (CPG) and finance, as well as boutique advertising agencies that offer creative roles with higher pay due to their competitive nature. The significant pay variance is often influenced by factors such as the specialization of design work, the tier of the agency, and the strength of an individual’s portfolio. To maximize compensation in Brookline’s job market, designers should focus on building a robust portfolio, seeking specialized roles, and considering both in-house and agency options to suit their career aspirations.
More salary data for Brookline, MA:
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 $64,267 for graphic designersin the Brookline 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 Brookline 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