Graphic Designer Salary in Lacey, WA: $69,411 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Lacey, WA earns a median $69,411/year (≈ $33.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Lacey's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $64,628 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lacey, WA, the 2026 median salary for graphic designers is projected to be $69,411, which is approximately 6.66% higher than the national average of $65,075. Graphic designers in the area can expect a salary range from $45,618 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $107,587 at the higher end (90th percentile). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. This vibrant market presents opportunities for seasoned professionals and newcomers alike, particularly those who can navigate freelance models and project-based work effectively while catering to local demand.
About the Lacey Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,618 | $21.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,134 | $26.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,411 | $33.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,359 | $42.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,587 | $51.72 |
Median Salary Position
6.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lacey
In Lacey, WA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,969 (2026 est.). At $69,411, the local median is 6.66% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lacey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lacey Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Lacey median: $69,411/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lacey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $69,971 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +6.66% more |
Graphic Designers in Lacey, WA earn a median of $69,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.66% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.80% below the Washington state average of $69,971.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lacey has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lacey, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,411 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,628 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,582
2025 BLS Actual
$67,155
2026 Current Est.
$69,411
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,582 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,937 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,089 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,854 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,835 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,927 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,155 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,411 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,744 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lacey metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $55,582 (2019) to $67,155 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,744 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,162 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lacey 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) | $45,618 – $55,134 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,134 – $69,411 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,411 – $88,359 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,359 – $107,587 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Lacey
Despite only 12 graphic designers currently employed in Lacey, the cost of living index stands at 107.4, indicating a higher expense for residents compared to the national average. This economic context affects take-home pay and disposable income for design professionals in the area. Employers that tend to offer higher salaries include in-house corporate marketing teams in sectors like finance and consumer packaged goods, alongside renowned advertising agencies. Factors such as specialization—particularly in motion graphics or brand identity—can significantly influence compensation levels, too. For those looking to enhance their earning potential in Lacey, emphasizing a robust portfolio and mastering the nuances of in-house vs. agency roles will be vital strategies for maximizing pay.
More salary data for Lacey, 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 $67,155 for graphic designersin the Lacey 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 Lacey 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