Graphic Designer salary in Baltimore, MD
Median pay, Baltimore metro
$75,790/year
about $36.44 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $58,050 – $89,390
Half of graphic designers in the Baltimore metro area earn more than $75,790 a year and half earn less. That's 20% higher than the national median of $62,960, and ranks #7 of the 29 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $45,990 | $22.11 |
| 25th | $58,050 | $27.91 |
| Median (50th) | $75,790 | $36.44 |
| 75th | $89,390 | $42.98 |
| 90th (top earners) | $107,120 | $51.50 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a graphic designer job in the Baltimore metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $58,050 ($27.91/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $58,050 to $89,390 ($27.91 to $42.98/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $89,390 ($42.98/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Watch for roles that bundle design, video, social media and web work into one job at one salary.
- Unpaid "test projects" are a common red flag. A short, paid test is fair; a full campaign for free isn't.
- In-house design roles tend to be steadier than agency roles, which can pay more but come with heavier deadlines.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Baltimore metro. Occupation: Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.