Garden City vs Olathe: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Garden City, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Garden City, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,625 | $59,356▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.19 | $28.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,779 | $38,460▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,849 | $46,801▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,039 | $75,975▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,868 | $92,001▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Garden City.
The salary gap between Garden City and Olathe is $731 (1.25%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garden City spans $53,089,Olathe spans $53,541. Olathe 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, Olathe ($65,298 effective) pays 1.25% more than Garden City ($64,494 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Garden City if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,356/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,001)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,298)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Garden City grew 21.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.1% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Garden City, KS
$46,845 (2024) → $56,719 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$47,429 (2024) → $57,426 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Garden City, KS
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Garden City or Olathe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Garden City and Olathe?
Should I relocate from Garden City to Olathe as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Garden City vs Olathe?
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