Graphic Designer Salary in Bedford, NH: $65,765 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Bedford, NH earns a median $65,765/year (≈ $31.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Bedford's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $61,291 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bedford, New Hampshire, the expected median graphic designer salary for 2026 is projected at $65,765, which slightly surpasses the national figure of $65,075, highlighting a competitive local market for design professionals. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $41,305 and top earners making up to $101,936. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for local cost conditions. Given Bedford's focus on higher-end graphic design specialties such as motion graphics and brand identity, this city's job market appears promising for graphic designers looking to capitalize on these niche areas.
About the Bedford Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,305 | $19.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,706 | $26.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,765 | $31.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,179 | $40.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,936 | $49.00 |
Median Salary Position
1.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bedford
In Bedford, NH, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,631 (2026 est.). At $65,765, the local median is 1.06% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bedford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bedford Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Bedford median: $65,765/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bedford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $69,814 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +1.06% more |
Graphic Designers in Bedford, NH earn a median of $65,765 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 5.80% below the New Hampshire state average of $69,814.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bedford has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bedford, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,765 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,291 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,662
2025 BLS Actual
$63,627
2026 Current Est.
$65,765
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,662 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,946 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,247 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,604 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,534 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,615 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,627 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,765 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,975 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bedford metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $52,662 (2019) to $63,627 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,975 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,313 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bedford 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) | $41,305 – $54,706 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,706 – $65,765 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,765 – $84,179 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,179 – $101,936 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Bedford
With only six graphic designers currently employed in Bedford, the local job market exhibits both potential and challenges. The cost of living index at 107.3 indicates that expenses are higher than the national average, affecting take-home purchasing power for professionals in the area. Design roles in corporate marketing teams and brand agencies usually offer the most competitive salaries; industries like finance and consumer packaged goods are particularly lucrative. The wide salary range reflects variances such as the specialty of design work, agency tier, and overall portfolio strength. To maximize earning potential in Bedford, graphic designers should consider specializing in high-demand areas, tailoring their portfolios to showcase expertise in motion graphics and brand identity, and exploring opportunities within top corporate teams or leading agencies.
More salary data for Bedford, NH:
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 $63,627 for graphic designersin the Bedford 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 Bedford 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