Graphic Designer salary in New York, NY
Median pay, New York metro
$79,280/year
about $38.12 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $62,040 – $102,060
Half of graphic designers in the New York metro area earn more than $79,280 a year and half earn less. That's 26% higher than the national median of $62,960, and ranks #4 of the 29 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $47,490 | $22.83 |
| 25th | $62,040 | $29.83 |
| Median (50th) | $79,280 | $38.12 |
| 75th | $102,060 | $49.07 |
| 90th (top earners) | $132,520 | $63.71 |
*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 New York metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $62,040 ($29.83/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $62,040 to $102,060 ($29.83 to $49.07/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $102,060 ($49.07/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, New York metro. Occupation: Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.