Graphic Designer salary in Detroit, MI
Median pay, Detroit metro
$60,210/year
about $28.95 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $48,710 – $75,560
Half of graphic designers in the Detroit metro area earn more than $60,210 a year and half earn less. That's 4% lower than the national median of $62,960, and ranks #24 of the 29 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $44,610 | $21.45 |
| 25th | $48,710 | $23.42 |
| Median (50th) | $60,210 | $28.95 |
| 75th | $75,560 | $36.33 |
| 90th (top earners) | $91,390 | $43.94 |
*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 Detroit metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $48,710 ($23.42/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $48,710 to $75,560 ($23.42 to $36.33/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $75,560 ($36.33/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, Detroit metro. Occupation: Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.