As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Package Designer III in the United States is $95,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Package Designer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Package Designer III'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Package Designer III'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Package Designer I | 0-2 years | $63,512 |
| Package Designer II | 2-4 years | $74,332 |
| Package Designer III | 4-7 years | $95,090 |
| Package Designer IV | 7+ years | $116,063 |
| Package Design Manager | 7+ years | $129,739 |
What Am I Worth?
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | 2.7% |
| Packaging | 8.11% |
| Illustration | 5.41% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
CAD
|
$132,175 |
39%
|
|
Project Management
|
$118,863 |
25%
|
|
Illustration
|
$112,206 |
18%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$107,452 |
13%
|
|
Continuous Learning
|
$106,501 |
12%
|
|
Packaging Design
|
$106,501 |
12%
|
Understanding how a Package Designer III'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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Package Designer III, 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 IV | $104,932 | 10% |
| Package Designer IV | $116,063 | 22% |
Salaries for a Package Designer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $88,619 in 2023 to around $86,527 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Package Designer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $88,619 |
| 2024 | $87,828 |
| 2025 | $86,527 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Package Designer III and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Package Designer III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Package Designer III is $119,937.
The highest pay for Package Designer III is $113,396.
The lowest pay for Package Designer III is $80,223.
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 generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience.
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.)
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