Graphic Designer Salary in Everett, WA: $71,118 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Everett, WA earns a median $71,118/year (≈ $34.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Everett's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $66,218 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the graphic designer salary in Everett, WA, is projected to reach a median of $71,118, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $65,075. This local estimate provides a salary range from $41,842 on the lower end to $110,232 at the higher end, highlighting the potential for significant variation in compensation based on expertise, employer type, and project scope. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional costs, underscore the importance of understanding the trade-offs between in-house corporate positions, known for steady pay and benefits, versus the more dynamic environment of design agencies, where earnings can be higher but often come with less predictability. The job market in Everett shows promise, suggesting healthy demand for creative talent.
About the Everett Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,842 | $20.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,918 | $25.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,118 | $34.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,031 | $43.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,232 | $52.99 |
Median Salary Position
9.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Everett
In Everett, WA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,390 (2026 est.). At $71,118, the local median is 9.29% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Everett: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Everett Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Everett median: $71,118/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Everett Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $69,998 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | +9.29% more |
Graphic Designers in Everett, WA earn a median of $71,118 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.29% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 1.60% above the Washington state average of $69,998.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Everett has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Everett, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,118 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,218 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,949
2025 BLS Actual
$68,806
2026 Current Est.
$71,118
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Everett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,949 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,336 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,419 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,375 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,579 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,806 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,118 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,507 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Everett metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $56,949 (2019) to $68,806 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,507 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,558 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Everett 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) | $41,842 – $52,918 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,918 – $71,118 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,118 – $91,031 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,031 – $110,232 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Everett
With just 20 graphic designers currently employed in the area, Everett’s market offers a unique blend of opportunities and challenges. The cost-of-living index of 107.4 indicates that while salaries are competitive, the higher cost of living means that take-home purchasing power may be slightly diminished. In-house positions, particularly within corporate marketing teams in sectors like finance or consumer packaged goods, tend to offer the highest compensation. On the other hand, talented freelancers might find lucrative gigs in motion graphics or brand identity projects, which command a premium. Expertise and portfolio strength play crucial roles in this segmented market, where the difference between entry-level and high-tier positions can be substantial. To maximize pay, aspiring designers should focus on building specialized skills and targeting employers that demonstrate a willingness to compensate for top-tier talent, whether in-house or agency-based.
More salary data for Everett, WA:
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 $68,806 for graphic designersin the Everett 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 Everett 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