Graphic Designer Salary in Elizabeth, NJ: $75,653 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Elizabeth, NJ earns a median $75,653/year (≈ $36.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Elizabeth's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $65,671 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Elizabeth, New Jersey, can anticipate a median annual salary of approximately $75,653, which surpasses the national average of $65,075 by 16.26%. Local data indicates a salary range from $49,391 to $117,263, providing a clear view of income variability based on experience and specialty. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, emphasizing the local market's dynamics. Elizabeth's graphic design job landscape reflects a blend of both freelance and in-house opportunities, where day rates for freelance designers may fluctuate significantly depending on project scope and talent. The unique characteristics of the Elizabeth market, including its proximity to New York City, often influence pay scales, especially for niche specialties like motion graphics or brand identity work.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,391 | $23.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,162 | $28.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,653 | $36.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,836 | $46.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,263 | $56.37 |
Median Salary Position
16.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabeth
In Elizabeth, NJ, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,872 (2026 est.). At $75,653, the local median is 16.26% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elizabeth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabeth Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Elizabeth median: $75,653/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabeth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $74,979 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | +16.26% more |
Graphic Designers in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $75,653 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.26% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $74,979.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabeth has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elizabeth, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,653 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,671 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,580
2025 BLS Actual
$73,194
2026 Current Est.
$75,653
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,057 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,953 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,416 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,486 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,703 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,194 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,653 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,195 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $60,580 (2019) to $73,194 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,195 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,615 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth 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) | $49,391 – $60,162 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,162 – $75,653 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,653 – $96,836 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,836 – $117,263 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Elizabeth
Across Elizabeth, 25 graphic designers are currently employed, contributing to a vibrant design community, but the cost of living index stands at 115.2, indicating a higher-than-average expense in the area. This factor affects take-home pay and can influence decisions regarding employment options. In-house positions within corporate marketing teams, especially in sectors like finance and consumer packaged goods, tend to offer the most competitive salaries in Elizabeth. Conversely, advertising agencies and digital firms may provide broader creative opportunities but typically come with varying compensation levels. The difference in pay often hinges on factors such as the complexity of design specialties, the prestige of the agency, and individual portfolio strength. For designers looking to maximize their earnings, focusing on specialized skills and exploring both agency and freelance avenues can significantly enhance their overall compensation potential.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
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 $73,194 for graphic designersin the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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