CreativeUpdated Q1 2026

Graphic Designer Salary
in Elizabeth, NJ

Create visual concepts using design software to communicate ideas through images and layouts. Median salary in Elizabeth: $84K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$84K
per year
Take-home: $50K

Salary range in Elizabeth

Entry level (25th)$61,000
Median (50th)$84,000
Senior (75th)$113,000
Top earner (90th)$148,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Elizabeth

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

45% premium vs national median

Graphic Designers in Elizabeth earn approximately 45% higher than the US national median for this role — a $26,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Elizabeth's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

10.75% state tax = $9,030/yr

New Jersey's 10.75% state income tax reduces take-home by roughly $9,030 per year at the median salary. A Graphic Designer relocating to a no-tax state like Texas, Florida, or Tennessee would retain that amount without changing gross pay.

68% remote-eligible

This role is 68% remote-eligible nationally according to job-posting analysis, which significantly expands the job market for Elizabeth-based Graphic Designers. Many Elizabeth professionals in this role are paid on the locality scale of their employer's HQ rather than Elizabeth's local rate — verify which scale your offer references before negotiating.

Key facts for Elizabeth

Median salary
$84K
annual
Take-home pay
$50K
after fed/state tax
COL index
145
100 = US avg
State income tax
10.75%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$2,000
per month
YoY growth
+3%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Elizabeth Graphic Designer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $84K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Elizabeth

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Graphic Designer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$70K$76K$83K$89K$95K201920212023202520272029
2026
$86K
projected
2027
$88K
projected
2028
$90K
projected
2029
$93K
projected
2030
$95K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$84,000+$0
2028 projected$84,000+$0
2029 projected$84,000+$0
2030 projected$84,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Graphic Designer Salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Graphic Designer salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $84,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Elizabeth–NJ metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Graphic Designer in Elizabeth

Entry-level Graphic Designers in Elizabeth with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $61,000 and $84,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $84,000 to $113,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $113,000 to $148,000 or more.

Cost of living in Elizabeth for Graphic Designers

Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 145 compared to the US national average of 100. Elizabeth's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. New Jersey has a 10.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Graphic Designer

Bachelor's in Graphic Design or Fine Arts. This role is 68% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Elizabeth-based professionals.

Graphic Designer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Elizabeth (current)$84K145
Newark$70K155
Jersey City$73K162
Paterson$81K140
Edison$80K138