Graphic Designer Salary in Pawtucket, RI: $65,330 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Pawtucket, RI earns a median $65,330/year (≈ $31.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Pawtucket's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $65,005 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, can expect a median annual salary of $65,330, slightly above the national median of $65,075, reflecting the city’s competitive emphasis on specialties like motion graphics and brand identity. The salary range for designers in this area spans from $39,573 at the 10th percentile to $101,261 at the 90th percentile, providing a clear picture of potential earnings despite the relatively small number of designers employed in the area, which stands at 16. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data, project a supportive market for graphic designers, especially those who can distinguish themselves through specialized skills in a region where demand focuses heavily on unique visual identity.
About the Pawtucket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,573 | $19.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,321 | $23.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,330 | $31.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,622 | $40.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,261 | $48.68 |
Median Salary Position
0.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pawtucket
In Pawtucket, RI, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,688 (2026 est.). At $65,330, the local median is 0.39% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pawtucket: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pawtucket Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Pawtucket median: $65,330/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pawtucket Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $65,395 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +0.39% more |
Graphic Designers in Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $65,330 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $65,395.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pawtucket has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pawtucket, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,330 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,005 — a 0.5% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$52,314
2025 BLS Actual
$63,206
2026 Current Est.
$65,330
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,314 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,589 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,908 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,217 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,226 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,206 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,330 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,525 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pawtucket metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $52,314 (2019) to $63,206 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,525 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,211 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pawtucket 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) | $39,573 – $49,321 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,321 – $65,330 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,330 – $83,622 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,622 – $101,261 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Pawtucket
While the employment market may appear modest, it’s vital to consider the local cost of living, with a cost-of-living index of 100.5, indicating a slightly higher expense than the national average. This context can significantly affect the take-home purchasing power of graphic designer pay in Pawtucket, RI. Employers who pay at the higher end typically include in-house corporate marketing departments in sectors like finance and consumer packaged goods, as well as top advertising agencies. The variations in pay can often be attributed to specialization; motion graphics and brand identity roles tend to attract higher compensation compared to more general graphic design positions. To maximize salary potential, designers should focus on building a robust portfolio, targeting freelance opportunities that allow for better pay structures, and considering positions within higher-tier agencies that value creative directorial skills.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Pawtucket, RI in 2026?
Is Pawtucket, RI a good place to work as a graphic designer?
Can graphic designers make $100K in Pawtucket?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Pawtucket?
How much does a graphic designer make per hour in Pawtucket?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Rhode Island
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 $63,206 for graphic designersin the Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket 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