Graphic Designer Salary in Rochester, NY: $65,665 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Rochester, NY earns a median $65,665/year (≈ $31.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Rochester's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.0), that paycheck buys what $67,671 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% above the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Rochester, NY can expect a median annual salary of $65,665, showing a slight increase over the national median of $65,075. The salary spectrum for this profession in the area ranges from $43,504 at the entry-level (P10) to $106,916 for top earners (P90), highlighting the potential financial reward for those who specialize in high-demand skills like motion graphics and brand identity creation. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, which indicate a growing market for graphic design professionals. This evolving market provides a favorable outlook for those pursuing graphic design in the Rochester area, particularly for candidates with specialized skill sets.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,504 | $20.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,411 | $24.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,665 | $31.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,908 | $40.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,916 | $51.40 |
Median Salary Position
0.91% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
In Rochester, NY, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,412 (2026 est.). At $65,665, the local median is 0.91% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rochester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rochester Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Rochester median: $65,665/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rochester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $63,322 | +3.70% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | +0.91% more |
Graphic Designers in Rochester, NY earn a median of $65,665 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.91% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 3.70% above the New York state average of $63,322.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rochester has a cost of living 2.97% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rochester, NY has a cost-of-living index of 97.035 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $65,665 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,671 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,690
2025 BLS Actual
$63,530
2026 Current Est.
$65,665
2019–2027 Growth
+55.3%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,690 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,130 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,665 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,871 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rochester metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 45.4% from $43,690 (2019) to $63,530 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,871 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,181 (55.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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) | $43,504 – $51,411 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,411 – $65,665 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,665 – $83,908 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,908 – $106,916 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Rochester
Rochester currently employs around 650 graphic designers, fostering a competitive yet supportive job market. With a cost-of-living index of 97.035, living in the area allows designers to retain more of their earnings compared to many other urban centers. High-paying opportunities typically exist within corporate marketing and brand teams, such as those found in banks and tech companies, and among established advertising agencies like Wieden+Kennedy and BBDO. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to factors like specialization, agency tier, and individual portfolio strength. For instance, those who excel in motion graphics or find themselves in upper-tier agencies often command significantly higher salaries. To maximize their pay in Rochester, designers should focus on building a robust portfolio, honing niche skills, and considering freelancing for premium projects that align with their expertise.
More salary data for Rochester, 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 $63,530 for graphic designersin the Rochester 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