Hartford vs Waterbury: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Hartford, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,251▲ | $70,647 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.21▲ | $33.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,765 | $50,295▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,215 | $60,476▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,993▲ | $85,024 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,696▲ | $110,419 |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 270 |
Verdict
Hartford, CT offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between Hartford and Waterbury is $2,604 (3.69%). Hartford's median is +12.56% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $64,931,Waterbury spans $60,124. Hartford 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, Hartford ($71,293 effective) pays 0.69% more than Waterbury ($70,804 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,251/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,696)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,293)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Hartford grew 32.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$53,320 (2019) → $70,870 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$57,620 (2019) → $68,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Hartford or Waterbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Waterbury?
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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