Graphic Designer Salary in Williamsburg, VA: $58,844 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Williamsburg, VA earns a median $58,844/year (≈ $28.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Williamsburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $57,019 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, graphic designers in Williamsburg, Virginia expect a median annual salary of $58,844, which represents a discrepancy of nearly 10% below the national average of $65,075. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $37,759 while experienced designers can earn as high as $91,208. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and reflect local cost-of-living adjustments, which are slightly above the national average. Williamsburg's niche market places a premium on specialties in motion graphics and brand identity, offering higher salary potential for designers who focus on these areas.
About the Williamsburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,759 | $18.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,704 | $21.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,844 | $28.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,488 | $34.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,208 | $43.85 |
Median Salary Position
9.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williamsburg
In Williamsburg, VA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,449 (2026 est.). At $58,844, the local median is 9.58% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Williamsburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Williamsburg Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Williamsburg median: $58,844/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Williamsburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $62,137 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -9.58% less |
Graphic Designers in Williamsburg, VA earn a median of $58,844 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.58% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.30% below the Virginia state average of $62,137.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Williamsburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Williamsburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,844 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,019 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,120
2025 BLS Actual
$56,931
2026 Current Est.
$58,844
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Williamsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,268 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,854 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,437 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,269 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,590 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,931 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,844 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,821 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Williamsburg metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $47,120 (2019) to $56,931 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,821 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,701 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williamsburg 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) | $37,759 – $45,704 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,704 – $58,844 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,844 – $72,488 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,488 – $91,208 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Williamsburg
Locally, the job market for graphic designers in Williamsburg is limited, with only five professionals currently employed in this field. The cost of living index stands at 103.2, indicating that while take-home pay is slightly lower than the national average, higher expenses might erode purchasing power. In terms of compensation, in-house roles, particularly with corporate marketing teams in sectors like banks and consumer packaged goods (CPG), often yield better pay compared to advertising agencies or freelance opportunities that typically command lower rates. The disparity in salaries is influenced by factors such as specialty skills, agency tier, and the strength of one’s portfolio. To maximize earnings, designers should hone their skills in motion graphics and brand identity, consider higher-tier agencies, and build robust portfolios that showcase their work effectively.
More salary data for Williamsburg, VA:
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 $56,931 for graphic designersin the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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