Entry Level Graphic Designer Salary in District of Columbia
How much does an Entry Level Graphic Designer make in District of Columbia?
As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Graphic Designer in District of Columbia is $66,201 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, an Entry Level Graphic Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Top Earners (90th percentile): $78,428
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $58,001 to $72,601
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,535
10%$50,535
50% (Median)$66,201
90%$78,428
Entry Level Graphic Designer Salaries by Percentile
Key Factors That Influence Entry Level Graphic Designer Salaries
An Entry Level Graphic Designer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors.
Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location
and company size
can directly affect your earning potential.
How Experience Level Affects Entry Level Graphic Designer Salaries?
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Level Graphic Designer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
Entry Level Graphic Designer (0-2 years): $66,126
Design Services Specialist II (2-4 years): $77,480
Design Services Specialist III (4-7 years): $94,062
Design Services Specialist IV (7+ years): $116,156
Design Services Specialist V (7-10 years): $136,562
How Do Entry Level Graphic Designer Salaries Vary from State to State?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Level Graphic Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Top Paying Cities for Entry Level Graphic Designers
Salaries can also vary between different cities.
Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay.
Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Entry Level Graphic Designer Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise
Entry Level Graphic Designer salary potential scales significantly with company size.
Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $73,982.
While startup companies pay approximate $62,582.
Entry Level Graphic Designer Salary by Company Size
Company Size
Employees
Average Salary
Startup
1~50
$62,582
Growth Stage
51~500
$66,186
Established
501~5000
$71,439
Enterprise
5000+
$73,982
Entry Level Graphic Designer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors
For Entry Level Graphic Designer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential
by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries).
Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services
sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average.
In contrast, Entry Level Graphic Designer positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay,
as these industries often view Entry Level Graphic Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
The top paying industry for an Entry Level Graphic Designer
Understanding how an Entry Level Graphic Designer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting.
Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role.
Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$58,001
Average$66,201/year
$72,601
$4,833
Average$5,517/month
$6,050
$1,115
Average$1,273/week
$1,396
$28
Average$32/hour
$35
Annual Salary
Monthly Pay
Weekly Pay
Hourly Wage
75th Percentile
$72,601
$6,050
$1,396
$35
Average
$66,201
$5,517
$1,273
$32
25th Percentile
$58,001
$4,833
$1,115
$28
Entry Level Graphic Designer Salary Growth & Career Path
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings.
As an Entry Level Graphic Designer, you have the following paths for advancement.
The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles.
By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
Entry Level Graphic Designer Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role
Estimate Salary
Projected Raise
Design Services Specialist II
$77,500
17%
Package Art Designer II
$82,400
24%
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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources.
We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right.
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