Graphic Designer Pay

Naples vs Tampa: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Naples, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Naples, FL
$71,908
$34.57/hr
Tampa, FL
$65,013
$31.26/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNaples, FLTampa, FL
Median Salary$71,908$65,013
Hourly Rate$34.57$31.26
Entry Level (P10)$44,641$39,566
25th Percentile$54,109$50,398
75th Percentile$96,538$81,727
Top Earner (P90)$113,024$97,944
Total Employed1701,870
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Naples ($71,908) and Tampa ($65,013) graphic designer salaries.NaplesTampaMedian Salary$71,908$65,013Entry Level (P10)$44,641$39,566Top Earner (P90)$113,024$97,944US Median $65,075

Verdict

Naples, FL offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.

The salary gap between Naples and Tampa is $6,895 (10.61%). Naples's median is +10.50% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Naples spans $68,383,Tampa spans $58,378. Naples has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Naples
P10 (Entry)$44,641
P25$54,109
Median$71,908
P75$96,538
P90 (Top)$113,024
Tampa
P10 (Entry)$39,566
P25$50,398
Median$65,013
P75$81,727
P90 (Top)$97,944

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Naples ($69,678 effective) pays 8.13% more than Tampa ($64,439 effective).

Naples
Nominal: $71,908
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $69,678
Tampa
Nominal: $65,013
CoL Index: 100.89
Adjusted: $64,439

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Naples if…

  • Higher median salary ($71,908/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($113,024)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,678)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Tampa if…

  • Larger job market (1,870 employed)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Naples grew 45.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.3% growth in Tampa over the same period.

Naples, FL

+45.2%

$47,900 (2019) → $69,570 (2025)

Tampa, FL

+43.3%

$43,900 (2019) → $62,900 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Naples or Tampa?

Naples has a higher median graphic designer salary at $71,908/year, compared to Tampa at $65,013/year — a difference of $6,895 (10.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Naples and Tampa?

Naples graphic designers earn $34.57/hr while Tampa hygienists earn $31.26/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Naples to Tampa as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Naples and Tampa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Naples = $69,678, Tampa = $64,439), job availability (170 vs 1,870 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Naples vs Tampa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $44,641 in Naples and $39,566 in Tampa. The Naples 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