Graphic Designer Salary in Manchester, NH: $61,024 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Manchester, NH earns a median $61,024/year (≈ $29.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 105.7), that paycheck buys what $57,757 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.6% below the New Hampshire state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Manchester, NH, graphic designers command a median annual salary of $61,024, which is slightly below the national figure of $65,075. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with the bottom 10% earning approximately $46,739 and the top 10% making as much as $87,846. These figures are derived from the latest estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. With a focus on both freelance and salaried positions, the market showcases a mix of pay models. Freelancers may find that day rates vary depending on the complexity and scope of projects, while in-house roles typically offer steadier pay but with narrower creative focuses. Understanding these dynamics is essential for designers looking to maximize their earning potential in this competitive landscape.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,739 | $22.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,879 | $25.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,024 | $29.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,812 | $35.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,846 | $42.23 |
Median Salary Position
6.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, NH, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,107 (2026 est.). At $61,024, the local median is 6.23% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Manchester median: $61,024/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $69,821 | -12.60% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -6.23% less |
Graphic Designers in Manchester, NH earn a median of $61,024 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.23% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 12.60% below the New Hampshire state average of $69,821.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 5.66% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, NH has a cost-of-living index of 105.657 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,024 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,757 — a 5.35% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,120
2025 BLS Actual
$59,040
2026 Current Est.
$61,024
2019–2027 Growth
+18.7%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,300 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,024 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,074 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 11.1% from $53,120 (2019) to $59,040 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,074 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,954 (18.74%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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) | $46,739 – $52,879 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,879 – $61,024 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,024 – $74,812 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,812 – $87,846 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Manchester
Looking at the broader job market in Manchester, there are currently about 200 graphic designers employed in the area, a figure that reflects a solid demand for design talent. The cost of living in Manchester, with an index of 105.657, adds a layer of complexity to take-home purchasing power, suggesting that living expenses here are above the national average. Employers who tend to pay the most include in-house corporate marketing teams within sectors such as finance and consumer packaged goods, as well as top-tier advertising and branding agencies. The disparity in salaries often comes down to specialty areas; designers focusing on motion graphics or brand identity typically command higher pay than those engaging in general graphic design. For those aiming to boost their graphic designer pay in Manchester NH, building a strong portfolio, considering agency work for broader experience, and seeking out contract opportunities within established firms can enhance competitiveness in the market.
More salary data for Manchester, 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 $59,040 for graphic designersin the Manchester 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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