Graphic Designer Salary in Binghamton, NY: $55,256 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Binghamton, NY earns a median $55,256/year (≈ $26.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Binghamton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.9), that paycheck buys what $59,503 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.7% below the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For graphic designers in Binghamton, NY, the projected median annual salary is estimated at $55,256 for 2026, reflecting a notable gap compared to the national median of $65,075. With a salary range spanning from $36,207 at the 10th percentile to $81,685 at the 90th percentile, local designers have varying experiences based on factors such as specialization and employment type. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys projected to 2026, highlights the competitive nature of freelance work in this market, where the day rate model can significantly influence earnings. Those skilled in high-demand areas like motion graphics and brand identity may see better compensation than their peers focused on more general graphic design tasks. Binghamton's design scene presents opportunities but also demands adaptability and specialized skills for maximized earnings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,207 | $17.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,858 | $19.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,256 | $26.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,680 | $32.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,685 | $39.27 |
Median Salary Position
15.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Binghamton
In Binghamton, NY, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,478 (2026 est.). At $55,256, the local median is 15.09% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Binghamton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Binghamton Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Binghamton median: $55,256/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Binghamton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $63,295 | -12.70% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -15.09% less |
Graphic Designers in Binghamton, NY earn a median of $55,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.09% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 12.70% below the New York state average of $63,295.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Binghamton has a cost of living 7.14% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Binghamton, NY has a cost-of-living index of 92.863 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $55,256 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,503 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,450
2025 BLS Actual
$53,460
2026 Current Est.
$55,256
2019–2027 Growth
+44.8%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Binghamton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,450 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,460 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,256 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,113 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Binghamton metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 35.5% from $39,450 (2019) to $53,460 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,113 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,663 (44.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Binghamton 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) | $36,207 – $40,858 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,858 – $55,256 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,256 – $67,680 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,680 – $81,685 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Binghamton
With around 100 graphic designers currently employed in Binghamton, the local job market shows moderate strength, yet the cost of living index stands at 92.863, which is below the national average. This lower cost of living allows for potentially better purchasing power for local designers compared to larger metropolitan areas. Employers offering the best pay typically come from in-house corporate marketing teams, especially in sectors like finance and consumer packaged goods, where pay structures tend to be robust. However, significant disparities in earnings exist, driven by a range of factors including specialty and agency tier. For instance, those within top-tier advertising agencies or skilled in lucrative specializations may see a dramatic difference in their pay potential. Designers looking to enhance their income should focus on building a strong portfolio, considering freelance projects selectively, and developing expertise in fields that command higher rates of compensation.
More salary data for Binghamton, NY:
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 $53,460 for graphic designersin the Binghamton 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