Graphic Designer Salary in Lake Stevens, WA: $67,687 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Lake Stevens, WA earns a median $67,687/year (≈ $32.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Lake Stevens's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $63,023 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Stevens, WA, graphic designers can expect to earn a projected median annual salary of $67,687 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $65,075 for the same year. Salaries range significantly, from $46,235 at the lower tenth percentile (P10) to $104,916 at the ninetieth percentile (P90), reflecting variations based on experience and specialization. Local estimates from BLS state-level data and regional price parities suggest that graphic designers specializing in motion graphics and brand identity may command higher pay than their peers in general graphic design roles. As the job market continues to evolve, design professionals in Lake Stevens find opportunity amid rising demand for compelling visual communication aligned with brand strategies.
About the Lake Stevens Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,235 | $22.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,026 | $26.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,687 | $32.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,234 | $40.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,916 | $50.44 |
Median Salary Position
4.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Stevens
In Lake Stevens, WA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,681 (2026 est.). At $67,687, the local median is 4.01% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Stevens: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Stevens Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Lake Stevens median: $67,687/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Stevens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $69,997 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +4.01% more |
Graphic Designers in Lake Stevens, WA earn a median of $67,687 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.01% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 3.30% below the Washington state average of $69,997.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Stevens has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Stevens, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,687 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,023 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,202
2025 BLS Actual
$65,487
2026 Current Est.
$67,687
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,202 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,522 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,745 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,318 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,274 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,789 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,487 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,687 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,962 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Stevens metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $54,202 (2019) to $65,487 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,962 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,760 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Stevens 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) | $46,235 – $55,026 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,026 – $67,687 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,687 – $85,234 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,234 – $104,916 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Lake Stevens
The local job market employs nine graphic designers, indicating a niche but stable demand for design skills in Lake Stevens. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, designers must consider how this affects their take-home pay, as higher living costs can diminish purchasing power. Companies like corporate marketing teams in the finance and consumer packaged goods sectors typically offer more competitive salaries compared to general retail positions. Those aiming for higher wages should focus on developing a robust portfolio that showcases specialties in motion graphics or brand identity, as these areas currently see premium pay. Additionally, starting out at an agency, while potentially lower-paying, can lead to higher earnings through experience and title advancements over time. Maximizing pay in this specific market requires strategic career moves and ongoing skill refinement, particularly in high-demand software like Adobe Creative Cloud.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, 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 $65,487 for graphic designersin the Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens 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