Graphic Designer Salary in Vermont: $69,327 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Vermont's 9 metropolitan areas, the average median graphic designer pay sits at $69,327/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 27-1024. Because Vermont sits at BEA RPP 103.5 (4% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $66,983 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: South Burlington ($68,607), Burlington ($68,260), Bennington ($62,442).
In 2026, the average median salary for graphic designers in Vermont is projected to be $69,327, which is 6.5% higher than the national median of $65,075. This increase reflects Vermont's unique job market conditions. The highest paying city is South Burlington, where designers can earn $70,912, while Montpelier offers the lowest salary at $62,034, resulting in a salary gap of $8,878. The disparity in pay among cities is influenced by factors such as local demand for design services, cost of living, and the concentration of businesses needing graphic design. Vermont has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that can affect employment opportunities and compensation. The state's job market for graphic designers is projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.36%, indicating a steady demand for creative professionals in the coming years. Other cities like Burlington, Bennington, Brattleboro, and Essex Junction follow closely in salary range, with projected earnings of $70,554, $64,540, $63,811, and $63,675 respectively. This growth coupled with competitive salaries makes Vermont an important state for aspiring graphic designers looking for opportunities.
Vermont Graphic Designer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Vermont: $40,475 (lowest entry-level) to $131,505 (highest top earner)
Vermont vs National Average
Vermont graphic designers earn 6.53% more than the national median (+$4,252/year difference).
Vermont Graphic Designer Salary Distribution (2026)
Graphic Designer salaries in Vermont range from $44,107 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $125,352 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $69,327. The Vermont median is $4,252 above the US national median of $65,075. The average hourly rate is $33.33/hr. Approximately 210 graphic designers are employed across 9 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,090
2025 BLS Actual
$67,073
2026 Current Est.
$69,327
2019–2027 Growth
+52.2%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Vermont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,330 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,888 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,073 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,327 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,656 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vermont metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 42.4% from $47,090 (2019) to $67,073 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,656 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,566 (52.17%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vermont 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Vermont
Lowest Paying Cities in Vermont
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Montpelier | $62,034 |
| Colchester | $62,348 |
| Rutland | $62,418 |
| Barre | $63,588 |
| Essex Junction | $63,675 |
Best Value Cities for Graphic Designers in Vermont
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Vermont cities offer the most purchasing power for graphic designers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | $70,554 | 100.949 | $69,891 |
| South Burlington | $70,912 | 103.5 | $68,514 |
| Bennington | $64,540 | 103.5 | $62,357 |
| Brattleboro | $63,811 | 103.5 | $61,653 |
| Essex Junction | $63,675 | 103.5 | $61,522 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Vermont
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $44,107 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $69,327 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $125,352 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Vermont metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 9 Cities in Vermont
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Burlington | $70,912 |
| 2 | Burlington | $70,554 |
| 3 | Bennington | $64,540 |
| 4 | Brattleboro | $63,811 |
| 5 | Essex Junction | $63,675 |
| 6 | Barre | $63,588 |
| 7 | Rutland | $62,418 |
| 8 | Colchester | $62,348 |
| 9 | Montpelier | $62,034 |
More Vermont Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore graphic designer hourly pay in Vermont cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced graphic designers.
Explore More Graphic Designer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Vermont in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for graphic designers in Vermont?
How does Vermont graphic designer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in Vermont?
How many graphic designers are employed in Vermont?
Which Vermont city offers the best value for graphic designers?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 graphic designer compensation across Vermont. State averages are employment-weighted across 9 metro areas — larger metro areas with more graphic designerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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