Graphic Designer Pay

Blue Springs vs Springfield: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Blue Springs, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Blue Springs, MO
$49,771
$23.93/hr
Springfield, MO
$49,396
$23.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBlue Springs, MOSpringfield, MO
Median Salary$49,771$49,396
Hourly Rate$23.93$23.75
Entry Level (P10)$31,888$37,096
25th Percentile$38,879$42,998
75th Percentile$63,707$63,938
Top Earner (P90)$77,145$81,520
Total Employed10310
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Blue Springs ($49,771) and Springfield ($49,396) graphic designer salaries.Blue SpringsSpringfieldMedian Salary$49,771$49,396Entry Level (P10)$31,888$37,096Top Earner (P90)$77,145$81,520US Median $65,075

Verdict

Blue Springs and Springfield are closely matched on overall graphic designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Blue Springs and Springfield is $375 (0.76%). Blue Springs's median is -23.52% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Blue Springs spans $45,257,Springfield spans $44,424. Blue Springs has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Blue Springs
P10 (Entry)$31,888
P25$38,879
Median$49,771
P75$63,707
P90 (Top)$77,145
Springfield
P10 (Entry)$37,096
P25$42,998
Median$49,396
P75$63,938
P90 (Top)$81,520

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($55,761 effective) pays 0.38% more than Blue Springs ($55,548 effective).

Blue Springs
Nominal: $49,771
CoL Index: 89.6
Adjusted: $55,548
Springfield
Nominal: $49,396
CoL Index: 88.585
Adjusted: $55,761

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Blue Springs if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,771/year)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Choose Springfield if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($81,520)
  • Larger job market (310 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,761)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Blue Springs grew 2.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.0% growth in Springfield over the same period.

Blue Springs, MO

+2.5%

$46,982 (2024) → $48,153 (2025)

Springfield, MO

+32.0%

$36,210 (2019) → $47,790 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Blue Springs or Springfield?

Blue Springs has a higher median graphic designer salary at $49,771/year, compared to Springfield at $49,396/year — a difference of $375 (0.76%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Blue Springs and Springfield?

Blue Springs graphic designers earn $23.93/hr while Springfield hygienists earn $23.75/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Blue Springs to Springfield as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Blue Springs and Springfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Blue Springs = $55,548, Springfield = $55,761), job availability (10 vs 310 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Blue Springs vs Springfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $31,888 in Blue Springs and $37,096 in Springfield. The Springfield area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, MFA

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, BFAData verified by Carlos Rodriguez, MA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov