Graphic Designer Salary in Kingston, NY: $63,473 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Kingston, NY earns a median $63,473/year (≈ $30.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Kingston's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.7), that paycheck buys what $63,026 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Graphic designers in Kingston, NY, can expect a median annual salary of $63,473, which reflects a slight decline compared to the national median of $65,075. The salary spectrum for graphic design roles in this region spans from $40,011 at the 10th percentile to $89,820 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy variation in earnings that allows for those specializing in motion graphics or brand identity to command premium pay. This data is generated from official BLS OEWS surveys and highlights the local job market’s potential, particularly for those entering fields that are not only competitive but also increasingly vital to organizations aiming to enhance their visual presence.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,011 | $19.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,522 | $22.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,473 | $30.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,869 | $36.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,820 | $43.18 |
Median Salary Position
2.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kingston
In Kingston, NY, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,809 (2026 est.). At $63,473, the local median is 2.46% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kingston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kingston Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Kingston median: $63,473/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kingston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $63,284 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -2.46% less |
Graphic Designers in Kingston, NY earn a median of $63,473 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.46% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.30% above the New York state average of $63,284.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kingston has a cost of living 0.71% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kingston, NY has a cost-of-living index of 100.709 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,473 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,026 — a 0.7% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,940
2025 BLS Actual
$61,410
2026 Current Est.
$63,473
2019–2027 Growth
+56.4%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Kingston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,940 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,700 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,230 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,250 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,473 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,606 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kingston metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 46.4% from $41,940 (2019) to $61,410 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,606 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,666 (56.43%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingston 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) | $40,011 – $46,522 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,522 – $63,473 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,473 – $76,869 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,869 – $89,820 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Kingston
In Kingston, around 70 graphic designers are currently employed, creating opportunities for both in-house and agency work. The cost of living index at 100.709 suggests that while wages may be lower than the national average, the relative living expenses remain manageable, impacting take-home purchasing power positively. Companies with corporate marketing or brand teams in sectors like banking, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and technology tend to offer the highest salaries, while top advertising agencies can pay a premium for experienced talent, especially those in positions leading sophisticated projects. The discrepancy in pay often hinges on specialization, with motion graphics and brand identity significantly outweighing generalist design roles in terms of compensation. Freelancers also face a divided market, where rates can vary widely based on project type and client's budget. For aspiring designers, focusing on building a strong portfolio, seeking experience in higher-paying industries, or transitioning into freelance work for premium clients can enhance their earning potential in Kingston's graphic design market.
More salary data for Kingston, 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 $61,410 for graphic designersin the Kingston 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