Graphic Designer Salary in Salem, NH: $68,140 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Salem, NH earns a median $68,140/year (≈ $32.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Salem's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $63,504 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Salem, NH, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $68,140, surpassing the national median of $65,075 by approximately 4.71%. The full salary spectrum ranges from $42,148 at the 10th percentile to $105,617 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the local market. Such figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. In Salem, graphic designers often find themselves weighing the benefits of in-house positions against agency roles, where pay structures can vary significantly. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for job seekers aiming to capitalize on their skills within the local design community.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,148 | $20.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,999 | $25.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,140 | $32.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,576 | $41.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,617 | $50.78 |
Median Salary Position
4.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, NH, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,469 (2026 est.). At $68,140, the local median is 4.71% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Salem median: $68,140/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $69,816 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +4.71% more |
Graphic Designers in Salem, NH earn a median of $68,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $69,816.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,140 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,504 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,564
2025 BLS Actual
$65,925
2026 Current Est.
$68,140
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,564 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,894 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,098 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,721 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,684 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,732 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,925 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,140 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,430 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $54,564 (2019) to $65,925 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,430 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,866 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $42,148 – $51,999 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,999 – $68,140 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,140 – $86,576 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,576 – $105,617 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Salem
Despite the presence of only eight graphic designers currently employed in Salem, the local job market reflects a strengthening trend, with a projected annual growth rate of 3.36%. The cost of living index stands at 107.3, indicating a higher purchasing power challenge for designers, as costs are above the national average. Employers in the area that tend to offer higher compensation include corporate marketing teams from banks and CPG companies, as well as upscale advertising agencies. The disparity in salary can stem from several factors, including specialty skills in areas like motion graphics and brand identity, as well as the tier of agency or corporate structure. Freelancers also find a broader range of pay depending on their project types, highlighting the significance of a strong portfolio. For those looking to maximize their graphic designer pay in Salem, honing niche skills and cultivating relationships with prominent local agencies can be strategic moves in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Salem, 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 $65,925 for graphic designersin the Salem 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 Salem 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