Graphic Designer Salary in Lowell, MA: $68,675 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Lowell, MA earns a median $68,675/year (≈ $33.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Lowell's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $63,295 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the graphic designer salary in Lowell is projected to reach a median annual figure of $68,675, showing a slight edge over the national median of $65,075. This salary range spans from $44,430 at the 10th percentile to $106,447 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. Typically, graphic designers in Lowell can choose between working for in-house corporate teams, which provide steady income and benefits but may limit creative scope, or pursuing roles within agencies and freelance opportunities that promise broader project variety but come with fluctuations in pay. The choice is integral, as agency positions generally offer higher potential earnings at the senior level, particularly in specialties like motion graphics and brand identity.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,430 | $21.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,098 | $26.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,675 | $33.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,905 | $42.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,447 | $51.17 |
Median Salary Position
5.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lowell
In Lowell, MA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,017 (2026 est.). At $68,675, the local median is 5.53% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lowell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lowell Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Lowell median: $68,675/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lowell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $68,470 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | +5.53% more |
Graphic Designers in Lowell, MA earn a median of $68,675 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.53% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $68,470.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lowell has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lowell, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,675 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,295 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,993
2025 BLS Actual
$66,443
2026 Current Est.
$68,675
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,993 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,333 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,515 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,198 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,169 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,443 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,675 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,983 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lowell metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $54,993 (2019) to $66,443 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,983 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,990 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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) | $44,430 – $54,098 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,098 – $68,675 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,675 – $87,905 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,905 – $106,447 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Lowell
Looking closer at the local job market, there are currently 29 graphic designers employed in Lowell, which reflects a compact yet competitive environment. The cost of living index for the area sits at 108.5, indicating higher expenses than the national average which can impact take-home purchasing power. In-house corporate positions in established sectors such as banking and consumer packaged goods tend to offer the best compensation locally, while top-tier advertising agencies can pay a premium for specialized talent. Factors influencing salary variations include the specific niche of design—motion graphics and brand identity typically command more than general graphic design—as well as the prestige of the agency. For those looking to maximize their earnings, cultivating a strong portfolio, pursuing advanced roles, and considering freelance work for premium projects can significantly enhance overall graphic designer pay in Lowell, MA.
More salary data for Lowell, 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 $66,443 for graphic designersin the Lowell 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 Lowell 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