Graphic Designer Pay

Kansas City vs Sedalia: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Kansas City, MO and Sedalia, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kansas City, MO
$62,006
$29.81/hr
Sedalia, MO
$49,212
$23.66/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKansas City, MOSedalia, MO
Median Salary$62,006$49,212
Hourly Rate$29.81$23.66
Entry Level (P10)$42,481$32,752
25th Percentile$50,367$39,075
75th Percentile$78,088$61,350
Top Earner (P90)$100,559$75,671
Total Employed1,7206
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kansas City ($62,006) and Sedalia ($49,212) graphic designer salaries.Kansas CitySedaliaMedian Salary$62,006$49,212Entry Level (P10)$42,481$32,752Top Earner (P90)$100,559$75,671US Median $65,075

Verdict

Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sedalia.

The salary gap between Kansas City and Sedalia is $12,794 (26.00%). Kansas City's median is -4.72% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $58,078,Sedalia spans $42,919. Kansas City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Kansas City
P10 (Entry)$42,481
P25$50,367
Median$62,006
P75$78,088
P90 (Top)$100,559
Sedalia
P10 (Entry)$32,752
P25$39,075
Median$49,212
P75$61,350
P90 (Top)$75,671

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($67,002 effective) pays 21.99% more than Sedalia ($54,924 effective).

Kansas City
Nominal: $62,006
CoL Index: 92.543
Adjusted: $67,002
Sedalia
Nominal: $49,212
CoL Index: 89.6
Adjusted: $54,924

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kansas City if…

  • Higher median salary ($62,006/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($100,559)
  • Larger job market (1,720 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,002)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Choose Sedalia if…

  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Kansas City grew 18.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.5% growth in Sedalia over the same period.

Kansas City, MO

+18.1%

$50,790 (2019) → $59,990 (2025)

Sedalia, MO

+2.5%

$46,454 (2024) → $47,612 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Kansas City or Sedalia?

Kansas City has a higher median graphic designer salary at $62,006/year, compared to Sedalia at $49,212/year — a difference of $12,794 (26.00%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Sedalia?

Kansas City graphic designers earn $29.81/hr while Sedalia hygienists earn $23.66/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kansas City to Sedalia as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kansas City and Sedalia. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kansas City = $67,002, Sedalia = $54,924), job availability (1,720 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Kansas City vs Sedalia?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $42,481 in Kansas City and $32,752 in Sedalia. The Kansas City 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