Graphic Designer Pay

Cleveland vs North Royalton: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

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

Cleveland, OH
$61,789
$29.71/hr
North Royalton, OH
$55,990
$26.91/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCleveland, OHNorth Royalton, OH
Median Salary$61,789$55,990
Hourly Rate$29.71$26.91
Entry Level (P10)$41,137$35,061
25th Percentile$48,900$45,331
75th Percentile$76,755$70,324
Top Earner (P90)$90,337$86,785
Total Employed1,4307
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cleveland ($61,789) and North Royalton ($55,990) graphic designer salaries.ClevelandNorth RoyaltonMedian Salary$61,789$55,990Entry Level (P10)$41,137$35,061Top Earner (P90)$90,337$86,785US Median $65,075

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Cleveland and North Royalton is $5,799 (10.36%). 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,North Royalton spans $51,724. North Royalton 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
North Royalton
P10 (Entry)$35,061
P25$45,331
Median$55,990
P75$70,324
P90 (Top)$86,785

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($65,787 effective) pays 6.57% more than North Royalton ($61,731 effective).

Cleveland
Nominal: $61,789
CoL Index: 93.923
Adjusted: $65,787
North Royalton
Nominal: $55,990
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $61,731

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 North Royalton 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 North Royalton over the same period.

Cleveland, OH

+18.1%

$50,630 (2019) → $59,780 (2025)

North Royalton, OH

+10.6%

$48,998 (2024) → $54,170 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Cleveland or North Royalton?

Cleveland has a higher median graphic designer salary at $61,789/year, compared to North Royalton at $55,990/year — a difference of $5,799 (10.36%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and North Royalton?

Cleveland graphic designers earn $29.71/hr while North Royalton hygienists earn $26.91/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cleveland to North Royalton as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cleveland and North Royalton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cleveland = $65,787, North Royalton = $61,731), job availability (1,430 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Cleveland vs North Royalton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $41,137 in Cleveland and $35,061 in North Royalton. 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