Buffalo vs Mount Vernon: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Buffalo, NY and Mount Vernon, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Mount Vernon, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,016 | $62,888▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.82 | $30.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,633▲ | $37,531 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,675 | $50,828▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,598 | $80,497▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,383▲ | $97,477 |
| Total Employed | 540▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Buffalo and Mount Vernon are closely matched on overall graphic designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Mount Vernon is $872 (1.41%). Mount Vernon's median is -3.36% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $58,750,Mount Vernon spans $59,946. Mount Vernon has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($64,705 effective) pays 19.25% more than Mount Vernon ($54,261 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,383)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,705)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Mount Vernon if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,888/year)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Buffalo grew 25.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -35.6% growth in Mount Vernon over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$47,930 (2019) → $60,000 (2025)
Mount Vernon, NY
$94,408 (2024) → $60,844 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Mount Vernon, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Buffalo or Mount Vernon?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Mount Vernon?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Mount Vernon as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Buffalo vs Mount Vernon?
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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.
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