Senior Graphic Designer Salary in Plymouth, MA: $106,879 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of graphic designers working in Plymouth, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $106,879/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 27-1024. Strip back Plymouth's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $98,506 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plymouth, Massachusetts, the earning potential for experienced graphic designers is notably advantageous, particularly for those in senior roles. With a median annual salary of $68,955 in 2026, top earners can expect to achieve remarkable compensation, with the 90th percentile making as much as $106,879. This figure not only highlights the significant experience premium offered in Plymouth but also places it above the national top earner benchmark. The disparity between the median and top-tier salaries tells a compelling story about the demand for seasoned professionals capable of harnessing their expertise in specialized areas such as brand identity and motion graphics to reach these elevated salary positions. Advancing into these top earners requires a strategic mix of skillful networking, continuous education, and a robust portfolio that showcases a designer's best work.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Experienced graphic designers at the top of the pay scale in Plymouth earn between $88,262 and $106,879 per year (2026 est.). This $64,227 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plymouth median of $68,955 sits 5.96% above the US median.
Top Salary Comparison
| Level | Plymouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $68,955 | $65,075 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,262 | $84,579 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $106,879 | $108,435 |
In Plymouth, experienced graphic designers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Graphic Designer Pay in Plymouth
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA graphic designers with additional specialty certifications within the graphic design field earn significantly above the $68,955 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plymouth employers.
Specialty Focus
Graphic Designers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the graphic design field in Plymouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $88,262–$106,879 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plymouth metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced graphic designers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured graphic designers in Plymouth with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Graphic Designers in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Graphic Designer Career & Wage Growth Path in Plymouth
Clinical Graphic Designer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Graphic Designer
5-10 yearsGraphic Designer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlymouth ranks #10 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner graphic designer salary (90th percentile: $106,879).
Top 10% graphic designer compensation in Plymouth ($106,879) is 7.74% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($115,843).
2019 BLS Actual
$87,930
2025 BLS Actual
$103,405
2026 Current Est.
$106,879
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,472 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,009 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,993 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,405 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,879 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,471 | Projected |
Top-earning graphic designers (90th percentile) in Plymouth saw their compensation grow 17.6% from $87,930 in 2019 to $103,405 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.36% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $110,471 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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.
Maximizing Your Graphic Designer Earnings in Plymouth
Salary differences among experienced graphic designers in Plymouth, MA are influenced by specialization and employer type. Professionals focused on high-demand areas like packaging design and UI/web visual design can command premium pay, thereby elevating their overall earnings. Companies across various sectors—from banks and technology firms to advertising agencies like Wieden+Kennedy and Droga5—offer distinct salary scales based on their market needs. In-house roles typically provide steadier compensation packages, while advertising agencies often present greater creative leeways despite offering lower initial pay. Additionally, there are clear advancement tracks within the industry: designers can transition from junior to senior roles and potentially ascend to positions like art director or creative director. Furthermore, sought-after credentials—such as proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite and experiences in motion design—boost earning potential significantly. Non-salary compensations, including the value of a robust portfolio and project types, further contribute to the comprehensive financial picture for senior graphic designers in Plymouth.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced graphic designers make in Plymouth in 2026?
What drives higher graphic designer pay in Plymouth?
What certifications boost graphic designer salary in Plymouth?
Can experienced graphic designers make six figures in Plymouth?
How much does graphic designer salary increase over time in Plymouth?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $103,405 for graphic designers in the Plymouth metro area. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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