Graphic Designer Pay

La Vista vs Lincoln: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between La Vista, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

La Vista, NE
$55,444
$26.66/hr
Lincoln, NE
$58,409
$28.08/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLa Vista, NELincoln, NE
Median Salary$55,444$58,409
Hourly Rate$26.66$28.08
Entry Level (P10)$38,470$40,848
25th Percentile$45,342$48,641
75th Percentile$70,359$69,840
Top Earner (P90)$85,939$84,331
Total Employed6310
Side-by-side bar chart comparing La Vista ($55,444) and Lincoln ($58,409) graphic designer salaries.La VistaLincolnMedian Salary$55,444$58,409Entry Level (P10)$38,470$40,848Top Earner (P90)$85,939$84,331US Median $65,075

Verdict

Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to La Vista.

The salary gap between La Vista and Lincoln is $2,965 (5.35%). Lincoln's median is -10.24% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Vista spans $47,469,Lincoln spans $43,483. La Vista has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

La Vista
P10 (Entry)$38,470
P25$45,342
Median$55,444
P75$70,359
P90 (Top)$85,939
Lincoln
P10 (Entry)$40,848
P25$48,641
Median$58,409
P75$69,840
P90 (Top)$84,331

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($63,779 effective) pays 5.25% more than La Vista ($60,595 effective).

La Vista
Nominal: $55,444
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $60,595
Lincoln
Nominal: $58,409
CoL Index: 91.581
Adjusted: $63,779

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose La Vista if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($85,939)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Lincoln if…

  • Higher median salary ($58,409/year)
  • Larger job market (310 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,779)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in La Vista grew 16.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.6% growth in Lincoln over the same period.

La Vista, NE

+16.6%

$46,009 (2024) → $53,642 (2025)

Lincoln, NE

+30.6%

$43,280 (2019) → $56,510 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: La Vista or Lincoln?

Lincoln has a higher median graphic designer salary at $58,409/year, compared to La Vista at $55,444/year — a difference of $2,965 (5.35%).

What is the hourly rate difference between La Vista and Lincoln?

La Vista graphic designers earn $26.66/hr while Lincoln hygienists earn $28.08/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from La Vista to Lincoln as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing La Vista and Lincoln. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: La Vista = $60,595, Lincoln = $63,779), job availability (6 vs 310 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in La Vista vs Lincoln?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $38,470 in La Vista and $40,848 in Lincoln. The Lincoln area offers higher starting salaries.
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