Graphic Designer Pay

Cleveland vs Grove City: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Cleveland, OH and Grove City, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cleveland, OH
$61,789
$29.71/hr
Grove City, OH
$56,334
$27.08/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCleveland, OHGrove City, OH
Median Salary$61,789$56,334
Hourly Rate$29.71$27.08
Entry Level (P10)$41,137$36,094
25th Percentile$48,900$43,858
75th Percentile$76,755$71,172
Top Earner (P90)$90,337$87,319
Total Employed1,4307
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cleveland ($61,789) and Grove City ($56,334) graphic designer salaries.ClevelandGrove CityMedian Salary$61,789$56,334Entry Level (P10)$41,137$36,094Top Earner (P90)$90,337$87,319US Median $65,075

Verdict

Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grove City.

The salary gap between Cleveland and Grove City is $5,455 (9.68%). Cleveland's median is -5.05% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $49,200,Grove City spans $51,225. Grove City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Cleveland
P10 (Entry)$41,137
P25$48,900
Median$61,789
P75$76,755
P90 (Top)$90,337
Grove City
P10 (Entry)$36,094
P25$43,858
Median$56,334
P75$71,172
P90 (Top)$87,319

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($65,787 effective) pays 5.92% more than Grove City ($62,110 effective).

Cleveland
Nominal: $61,789
CoL Index: 93.923
Adjusted: $65,787
Grove City
Nominal: $56,334
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $62,110

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cleveland if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,789/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($90,337)
  • Larger job market (1,430 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,787)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Grove City if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Cleveland grew 18.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.6% growth in Grove City over the same period.

Cleveland, OH

+18.1%

$50,630 (2019) → $59,780 (2025)

Grove City, OH

+10.6%

$49,300 (2024) → $54,503 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Cleveland or Grove City?

Cleveland has a higher median graphic designer salary at $61,789/year, compared to Grove City at $56,334/year — a difference of $5,455 (9.68%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Grove City?

Cleveland graphic designers earn $29.71/hr while Grove City hygienists earn $27.08/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cleveland to Grove City as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cleveland and Grove City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cleveland = $65,787, Grove City = $62,110), job availability (1,430 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Cleveland vs Grove City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $41,137 in Cleveland and $36,094 in Grove City. The Cleveland 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