Graphic Designer salary in Philadelphia, PA
Median pay, Philadelphia metro
$63,090/year
about $30.33 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $50,920 – $81,330
Half of graphic designers in the Philadelphia metro area earn more than $63,090 a year and half earn less. That's about the same as the national median of $62,960, and ranks #17 of the 29 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $44,610 | $21.45 |
| 25th | $50,920 | $24.48 |
| Median (50th) | $63,090 | $30.33 |
| 75th | $81,330 | $39.10 |
| 90th (top earners) | $102,140 | $49.11 |
*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 Philadelphia metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $50,920 ($24.48/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $50,920 to $81,330 ($24.48 to $39.10/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $81,330 ($39.10/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, Philadelphia metro. Occupation: Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.