CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Graphic Designer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$116,564/yr
Typical range: $120,864 – $156,026
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Graphic Designer salary by experience level in Boston
Graphic Designer Salary Progression in Boston
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $56,461 | $4,705 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $72,853 | $6,071 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $84,995 | $7,083 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $96,166 | $8,014 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $116,564 | $9,714 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $132,592 | $11,049 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $136,599 | $11,383 | +142% |
Current Salary
$116,564
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $56/hr
Next Level Target
$132,592
Principal · 14
+$16Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
21/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Graphic Designer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Graphic Designers in Boston, MA earn approximately $117K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Graphic Designer make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $117K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $56/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Graphic Designer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Graphic Designer in Boston, MA earns $121K–$156K/yr.