Graphic Designer salary in Seattle, WA
Median pay, Seattle metro
$76,720/year
about $36.88 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $61,140 – $98,590
Half of graphic designers in the Seattle metro area earn more than $76,720 a year and half earn less. That's 22% higher than the national median of $62,960, and ranks #6 of the 29 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $51,660 | $24.84 |
| 25th | $61,140 | $29.39 |
| Median (50th) | $76,720 | $36.88 |
| 75th | $98,590 | $47.40 |
| 90th (top earners) | $125,220 | $60.20 |
*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 Seattle metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $61,140 ($29.39/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $61,140 to $98,590 ($29.39 to $47.40/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $98,590 ($47.40/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, Seattle metro. Occupation: Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.