Graphic Designer Salary in Pasco, WA: $68,285 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Pasco, WA earns a median $68,285/year (≈ $32.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Pasco's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $63,580 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Pasco, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $68,285, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $65,075. Salaries vary significantly in this field, ranging from $44,265 at the 10th percentile to $105,842 at the 90th. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, while accounting for local cost adjustments. For those specializing in motion graphics or brand identity, compensation may be on the higher end of the spectrum, underscoring the additional value these specialties add to firms in Pasco. With the job market for graphic designers seeing a steady growth rate of 3.36% annually, this area presents enticing opportunities for design professionals.
About the Pasco Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,265 | $21.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,729 | $25.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,285 | $32.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,404 | $42.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,842 | $50.88 |
Median Salary Position
4.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasco
In Pasco, WA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,577 (2026 est.). At $68,285, the local median is 4.93% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasco: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasco Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Pasco median: $68,285/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasco Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $69,964 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +4.93% more |
Graphic Designers in Pasco, WA earn a median of $68,285 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.93% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 2.40% below the Washington state average of $69,964.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasco has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasco, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,285 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,580 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,680
2025 BLS Actual
$66,065
2026 Current Est.
$68,285
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,013 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,211 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,815 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,449 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,065 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,285 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,579 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasco metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $54,680 (2019) to $66,065 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,579 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,899 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasco 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) | $44,265 – $53,729 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,729 – $68,285 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,285 – $87,404 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,404 – $105,842 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Pasco
Currently, Pasco employs 18 graphic designers, establishing a localized market for creative talent. The cost of living index sits at 107.4, indicating that the expenses are slightly above the national average, which could temper take-home earnings. Employers that tend to offer the highest salaries include in-house corporate marketing departments—especially in finance and consumer packaged goods—as well as top-tier advertising agencies and digital firms. The disparity in salaries often relates to specific skill sets; motion graphics and brand identity specialists can command higher rates than those in more general design roles. Maximizing pay in Pasco may involve developing a strong portfolio showcasing specialized skills and pursuing opportunities with reputable agencies that provide higher compensation, or considering freelance work that aligns with project requirements and client budgets.
More salary data for Pasco, 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 $66,065 for graphic designersin the Pasco 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 Pasco 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