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Graphic Designer Salary in Worcester, MA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Worcester's cost of living (index: 116). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Graphic Designer Salary in Worcester β€” Key Numbers

$69,565
Median Salary
$50,889
25th Percentile
$94,726
75th Percentile
$124,317
90th Percentile
National median (Graphic Designer)$59,970
vs. National median+16.0%
Worcester median household income$71,400
vs. City household income-2.6%

Cost of Living in Worcester

Cost of Living Index
116(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,650/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio28.5%
Annual rent cost$19,800
Median Home Price$380,000
Home Price / Salary5.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$76,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.5 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 Worcester

3.6%
Unemployment Rate
1,000,000
Metro Population
27 min
Avg Commute
37
Median Age

Worcester has a metro population of 1,000,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.6% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Graphic Designer Salary β€” Other Massachusetts Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Worcester, MA?

The estimated median salary for a Graphic Designer in Worcester is $69,565 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $59,970 adjusted by Worcester's cost of living index (116). The typical salary range runs from $50,889 (25th percentile) to $94,726 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $124,317.

Is Worcester affordable for a Graphic Designer?

On a $69,565 annual salary, a Graphic Designer in Worcester would spend approximately 28.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,650/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $380,000 is 5.5Γ— the annual salary.

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

Worcester's median household income is $71,400. A Graphic Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $69,565 earns 2.6% less than the typical Worcester household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Worcester 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.