Buffalo vs Niagara Falls: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Buffalo, NY and Niagara Falls, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Niagara Falls, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,016 | $62,369▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.82 | $29.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,633▲ | $39,631 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,675▲ | $48,314 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,598 | $78,655▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,383▲ | $96,673 |
| Total Employed | 540▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Buffalo and Niagara Falls are closely matched on overall graphic designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Niagara Falls is $353 (0.57%). Niagara Falls's median is -4.16% 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,Niagara Falls spans $57,042. Buffalo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($64,705 effective) pays 20.24% more than Niagara Falls ($53,813 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 Niagara Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,369/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 Niagara Falls over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$47,930 (2019) → $60,000 (2025)
Niagara Falls, NY
$93,629 (2024) → $60,342 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Niagara Falls, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Buffalo or Niagara Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Niagara Falls?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Niagara Falls as a graphic designer?
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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