Average Graphic Designers Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Graphic Designers in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an average annual salary of $61,870. This figure is notably below the national average of $68,540, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a smaller demand pool influence compensation in this specific region. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the salary differential warrants attention for professionals in this field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,620.
- Outlook: The graphic design job market in Portland-South Portland, ME, is characterized by a local workforce of approximately 300 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.77, the concentration of graphic designers is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderately less saturated market compared to national trends. The presence of 1.066 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not booming, demand for these creative services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in Portland-South Portland, ME earns-9.7%below the national average.
$29.8
$1,190
$5,156
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Graphic Designers in Portland-South Portland, ME, have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation and increasing demand for digital and print design expertise. This growth is likely influenced by the evolving needs of local businesses and the broader economic landscape of Maine.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
The career trajectory for Graphic Designers in Portland-South Portland, ME, typically involves significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior designers with extensive portfolios and specialized skills can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the substantial career progression and earning potential available as designers advance their careers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $38,990 | $18.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $46,403 | $22.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $59,550 | $28.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $77,338 | $37.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $84,620 | $40.7 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $61,870 for Graphic Designers in Portland-South Portland, ME, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower salary is offset by the stable cost of essential goods and services in the area.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
1.066
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 0.77x the national average concentration of Graphic Designers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.77, the market for Graphic Designers in Portland-South Portland, ME, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent demand for design services, the field is not as densely populated with professionals as in larger metropolitan areas. This could translate to a more accessible market for skilled designers seeking opportunities, though competition may still exist among the local talent pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Graphic Designers Salary | $54,530↓ 12% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $56,020↓ 9% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $54,410↓ 12% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $59,310↓ 4% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Graphic Designers Salary | $60,720↓ 2% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Graphic Designerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in Portland-South Portland, ME is $61,870. This typically ranges from $38,990 for entry-level positions to $84,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 9.7% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Graphic Designers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.Graphic Designers in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn approximately $6,770 less annually than the national average. However, the local cost of living is at the national average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is maintained.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($54,530) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland, ME salary compare to the national average for Graphic Designers?
Graphic Designers in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an average of $61,870 annually, which is $6,670 less than the national average of $68,540.
What is the cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME for Graphic Designers?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated is the Graphic Designer job market in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The market concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.77, is slightly below the national average, suggesting fewer Graphic Designers per capita compared to the rest of the country.
What is the total number of Graphic Designers in Portland-South Portland, ME?
There are approximately 300 Graphic Designers working in the Portland-South Portland, ME area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 1.066 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Graphic Designers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME