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Graphic Designer Salary in Baltimore, MD β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Baltimore's cost of living (index: 107). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Graphic Designer Salary in Baltimore β€” Key Numbers

$64,168
Median Salary
$46,941
25th Percentile
$87,376
75th Percentile
$114,672
90th Percentile
National median (Graphic Designer)$59,970
vs. National median+7.0%
Baltimore median household income$71,000
vs. City household income-9.6%

Cost of Living in Baltimore

Cost of Living Index
107(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,300/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio24.3%
Annual rent cost$15,600
Median Home Price$320,000
Home Price / Salary5.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$64,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.0 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Baltimore

4.4%
Unemployment Rate
2,890,000
Metro Population
32 min
Avg Commute
37.5
Median Age

Baltimore has a metro population of 2,890,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Baltimore, MD?

The estimated median salary for a Graphic Designer in Baltimore is $64,168 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $59,970 adjusted by Baltimore's cost of living index (107). The typical salary range runs from $46,941 (25th percentile) to $87,376 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $114,672.

Is Baltimore affordable for a Graphic Designer?

On a $64,168 annual salary, a Graphic Designer in Baltimore would spend approximately 24.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,300/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Baltimore relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $320,000 is 5.0Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Graphic Designer's salary compare to Baltimore's overall income?

Baltimore's median household income is $71,000. A Graphic Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $64,168 earns 9.6% less than the typical Baltimore household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Baltimore has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.