Average Graphic Designers Salary in Rochester, NY
Graphic Designers in Rochester, NY, can expect an average annual salary of $66,150. This figure is slightly below the national average of $68,540, a common occurrence in markets with a cost of living that aligns with the national benchmark. Local economic factors and industry demand within Rochester play a significant role in shaping this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,140.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 620 Graphic Designers and a Location Quotient of 0.91, Rochester presents a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, market for these professionals compared to the national average. The presence of over 1.2 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates consistent demand, suggesting a healthy environment for both existing designers and those considering a move to the area.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in Rochester, NY earns-3.5%below the national average.
$31.8
$1,272
$5,513
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Graphic Designers in Rochester have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for digital and print design services, and the evolving skill sets required in the field.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in Rochester, NY
The career trajectory for Graphic Designers in Rochester, as elsewhere, is marked by increasing earning potential with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior designers with specialized skills and a robust portfolio command significantly higher salaries, often reflecting substantial percentile gaps that signify career progression and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $39,110 | $18.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $49,613 | $23.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $60,310 | $29 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $82,688 | $39.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $97,140 | $46.7 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
Rochester's Cost of Living Index stands at 100, precisely matching the national average. This means the nominal salary of $66,150 for Graphic Designers in Rochester offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the salary is well-aligned with the local economic landscape, providing a stable financial foundation for residents.
Job Market Context
620
Total Jobs
1.265
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Rochester, NY has 0.91x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.91 indicates that Graphic Designer roles are present in Rochester at a rate very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand is steady but not overwhelmingly concentrated, implying a competitive yet accessible environment for skilled professionals seeking employment or career advancement.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY Graphic Designers Salary | $61,810↓ 7% | 65 mi |
| Syracuse, NY Graphic Designers Salary | $59,840↓ 10% | 75 mi |
| Ithaca, NY Graphic Designers Salary | $62,720↓ 5% | 75 mi |
| Elmira, NY Graphic Designers Salary | $53,700↓ 19% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Rochester, NY
Hiring Graphic Designerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in Rochester, NY?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in Rochester, NY is $66,150. This typically ranges from $39,110 for entry-level positions to $97,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rochester, NY is 3.5% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is Rochester, NY a lucrative place for Graphic Designers?
Yes, Rochester offers a competitive salary for Graphic Designers.The average salary of $66,150 is strong, especially considering the Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average. This indicates good purchasing power for designers in the city.
Is Rochester, NY a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
The Cost of Living Index in Rochester, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Rochester, NY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY ($61,810) and Syracuse, NY.
How does Rochester's Graphic Designer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Graphic Designers in Rochester, NY, is $66,150, which is slightly lower than the national average of $68,540.
What is the concentration of Graphic Designers in Rochester compared to the rest of the US?
Rochester has a Location Quotient of 0.91 for Graphic Designers, indicating a concentration very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced market.
Does the cost of living in Rochester affect the value of a Graphic Designer's salary?
No, Rochester's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $66,150 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Graphic Designer jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Rochester?
There are approximately 1.265 Graphic Designer jobs per 1,000 workers in Rochester, indicating a steady presence of these roles within the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 620 employees in the Rochester, NY area with a job density of 1.265 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 Rochester, NY