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Package Designer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Package Designer I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Package Designer I in the United States is $63,519 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

However, a Package Designer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $75,245
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $55,642 to $69,657
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $48,470
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Package Designer I Salaries

A Package Designer I'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 Package Designer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Package Designer I'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:

  • Package Designer I (0-2 years): $63,519
  • Package Designer II (2-4 years): $74,344
  • Package Designer III (4-7 years): $95,118
  • Package Designer IV (7+ years): $116,080
  • Package Design Manager (7+ years): $129,783
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Package Designer I0-2 years$63,519
Package Designer II2-4 years$74,344
Package Designer III4-7 years$95,118
Package Designer IV7+ years$116,080
Package Design Manager7+ years$129,783
View as Graph

How Do Package Designer Is 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 Package Designer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $70,328.
  • California: $70,061.
  • Massachusetts: $69,128.

Top Paying Cities for Package Designer I

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:

  • San Jose: $80,117
  • San Francisco: $79,239
  • Oakland: $77,569

What Skills Can Increase a Package Designer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Attention to Detail (Mentioned in 2.42% Job Postings): Executing and completing a task with a high level of accuracy.
  • Container (Mentioned in 1.84% Job Postings): Container is an object used for or capable of holding, esp for transport or storage, such as a carton, box, etc.
  • Preventative Maintenance (Mentioned in 1.16% Job Postings): Developing and implementing maintenance strategies to increase equipment life expectancy and avoid unplanned downtime.
Skills Demand Percentage
Attention to Detail 2.42%
Container 1.84%
Preventative Maintenance 1.16%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Package Designer I's salary.

  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 36%.
  • Oral Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 27%.
  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 25%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Analysis $86,386
36%
Oral Communication $80,669
27%
Decision Making $79,399
25%
Get Latest Data

Package Designer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Package Designer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $71,106. While startup companies pay approximate $60,154.

Package Designer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $60,154
Growth Stage 51~500 $63,620
Established 501~5000 $68,665
Enterprise 5000+ $71,106

Package Designer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Package Designer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 5% above the average. In contrast, Package Designer positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Package Designer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Package Designer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$66,695$32.05%
Business Services$66,695$32.05%
Construction$66,695$32.05%
Energy & Utilities$66,695$32.05%
Healthcare$66,695$32.05%

Package Designer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Package Designer I'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.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$55,642
Average $63,519/year
$69,657
$4,637
Average $5,293/month
$5,805
$1,070
Average $1,222/week
$1,340
$27
Average $31/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $69,657 $5,805 $1,340 $33
Average $63,519 $5,293 $1,222 $31
25th Percentile $55,642 $4,637 $1,070 $27

Package Designer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Package Designer I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Package Designer I, 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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Graphic Design Specialist II $69,978 10%
Package Designer II $74,344 17%

Most common benefits for Package Designer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Package Designer I

Here are companies hiring for Package Designer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Package Designer I

1. Where can a Package Designer I earn the most?

A Package Designer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Package Designer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Package Designer I is $80,117.

2. What is the highest pay for Package Designer I?

The highest pay for Package Designer I is $75,245.

3. What is the lowest pay for Package Designer I?

The lowest pay for Package Designer I is $48,470.

4. What are the responsibilities of Package Designer I?

Designs and creates packaging artwork for an organization. Utilizes graphic arts design techniques and software tools to create compelling package designs that reflect the organization's branding and marketing objectives. Incorporates industry practices, branding standards, and any regulatory requirements into package designs. Collaborates with production, marketing, vendors, and other stakeholders to deliver designs that meet all requirements and adhere to the budget. May require a bachelor's degree in industrial design, art, graphic design or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Package Designer I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Package Designer I roles, with salaries approximately 5% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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