Graphic Designer salary in Washington, DC
Median pay, Washington DC metro
$85,420/year
about $41.07 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $66,620 – $107,590
Half of graphic designers in the Washington DC metro area earn more than $85,420 a year and half earn less. That's 36% higher than the national median of $62,960, and ranks #3 of the 29 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,580 | $23.36 |
| 25th | $66,620 | $32.03 |
| Median (50th) | $85,420 | $41.07 |
| 75th | $107,590 | $51.73 |
| 90th (top earners) | $131,810 | $63.37 |
*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 Washington DC metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $66,620 ($32.03/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $66,620 to $107,590 ($32.03 to $51.73/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $107,590 ($51.73/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, Washington DC metro. Occupation: Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.