Graphic Designer Salary in Marlborough, MA: $67,609 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Marlborough, MA earns a median $67,609/year (≈ $32.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Marlborough's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $62,312 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Marlborough, MA, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $67,609, which is slightly above the national average of $65,075. The salary range for professionals in this field spans from $43,193 at the lower end (P10) to $104,794 at the upper end (P90), presenting diverse opportunities based on experience and specialization. These figures are informed by estimates derived from BLS state-level data and reflect adjustments made for regional living costs. The presence of local motion graphics and brand identity specialists can further enhance earning potential, suggesting that designers with expertise in these areas may benefit from premium salaries in Marlborough's job market.
About the Marlborough Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,193 | $20.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,543 | $25.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,609 | $32.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,428 | $41.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,794 | $50.38 |
Median Salary Position
3.89% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marlborough
In Marlborough, MA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,601 (2026 est.). At $67,609, the local median is 3.89% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Marlborough: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Marlborough Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Marlborough median: $67,609/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marlborough Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $68,499 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +3.89% more |
Graphic Designers in Marlborough, MA earn a median of $67,609 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.89% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $68,499.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marlborough has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Marlborough, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,609 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,312 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,139
2025 BLS Actual
$65,411
2026 Current Est.
$67,609
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Marlborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,139 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,458 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,684 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,248 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,203 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,332 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,411 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,609 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,880 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marlborough metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $54,139 (2019) to $65,411 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,880 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,741 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marlborough 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) | $43,193 – $52,543 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,543 – $67,609 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,609 – $85,428 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,428 – $104,794 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Marlborough
In this city, there are currently about 10 graphic designers employed, which indicates a niche yet competitive job market. The cost-of-living index stands at 108.5, meaning that while salaries are solid, they must also account for higher living expenses compared to the national average. Employers in sectors such as corporate marketing, particularly in finance and consumer packaged goods, tend to offer the best pay opportunities, especially for in-house roles. Additionally, top-tier advertising agencies may attract talent with premium compensation packages. Salary disparities in Marlborough can often be influenced by the specific design specialties one holds, the agency's reputation, and the designer's portfolio strength. To maximize pay, graphic designers should consider advancing their skills in high-demand areas like motion graphics, as well as building strong relationships within local networks and showcasing their flexibility between agency and in-house opportunities.
More salary data for Marlborough, 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 $65,411 for graphic designersin the Marlborough 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 Marlborough 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