Graphic Designer Pay

Kennewick vs Spokane: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Kennewick, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kennewick, WA
$77,024
$37.03/hr
Spokane, WA
$58,429
$28.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKennewick, WASpokane, WA
Median Salary$77,024$58,429
Hourly Rate$37.03$28.09
Entry Level (P10)$48,000$45,551
25th Percentile$58,223$49,602
75th Percentile$103,670$72,486
Top Earner (P90)$130,492$92,921
Total Employed90270
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kennewick ($77,024) and Spokane ($58,429) graphic designer salaries.KennewickSpokaneMedian Salary$77,024$58,429Entry Level (P10)$48,000$45,551Top Earner (P90)$130,492$92,921US Median $65,075

Verdict

Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.

The salary gap between Kennewick and Spokane is $18,595 (31.82%). Kennewick's median is +18.36% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $82,492,Spokane spans $47,370. Kennewick has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Kennewick
P10 (Entry)$48,000
P25$58,223
Median$77,024
P75$103,670
P90 (Top)$130,492
Spokane
P10 (Entry)$45,551
P25$49,602
Median$58,429
P75$72,486
P90 (Top)$92,921

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kennewick ($76,963 effective) pays 32.18% more than Spokane ($58,228 effective).

Kennewick
Nominal: $77,024
CoL Index: 100.079
Adjusted: $76,963
Spokane
Nominal: $58,429
CoL Index: 100.346
Adjusted: $58,228

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kennewick if…

  • Higher median salary ($77,024/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($130,492)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,963)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Spokane if…

  • Larger job market (270 employed)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Kennewick grew 53.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.0% growth in Spokane over the same period.

Kennewick, WA

+53.1%

$48,670 (2019) → $74,520 (2025)

Spokane, WA

+42.0%

$39,820 (2019) → $56,530 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Kennewick or Spokane?

Kennewick has a higher median graphic designer salary at $77,024/year, compared to Spokane at $58,429/year — a difference of $18,595 (31.82%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Spokane?

Kennewick graphic designers earn $37.03/hr while Spokane hygienists earn $28.09/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kennewick to Spokane as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kennewick and Spokane. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kennewick = $76,963, Spokane = $58,228), job availability (90 vs 270 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Kennewick vs Spokane?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $48,000 in Kennewick and $45,551 in Spokane. The Kennewick 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