Graphic Designer Pay

North Platte vs Omaha: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between North Platte, NE and Omaha, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

North Platte, NE
$55,369
$26.62/hr
Omaha, NE
$59,969
$28.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNorth Platte, NEOmaha, NE
Median Salary$55,369$59,969
Hourly Rate$26.62$28.84
Entry Level (P10)$38,289$37,313
25th Percentile$45,187$48,858
75th Percentile$70,176$68,807
Top Earner (P90)$85,822$81,778
Total Employed41,020
Side-by-side bar chart comparing North Platte ($55,369) and Omaha ($59,969) graphic designer salaries.North PlatteOmahaMedian Salary$55,369$59,969Entry Level (P10)$38,289$37,313Top Earner (P90)$85,822$81,778US Median $65,075

Verdict

Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to North Platte.

The salary gap between North Platte and Omaha is $4,600 (8.31%). Omaha's median is -7.85% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in North Platte spans $47,533,Omaha spans $44,465. North Platte has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

North Platte
P10 (Entry)$38,289
P25$45,187
Median$55,369
P75$70,176
P90 (Top)$85,822
Omaha
P10 (Entry)$37,313
P25$48,858
Median$59,969
P75$68,807
P90 (Top)$81,778

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Omaha ($65,247 effective) pays 7.82% more than North Platte ($60,513 effective).

North Platte
Nominal: $55,369
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $60,513
Omaha
Nominal: $59,969
CoL Index: 91.911
Adjusted: $65,247

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose North Platte if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($85,822)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Omaha if…

  • Higher median salary ($59,969/year)
  • Larger job market (1,020 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,247)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in North Platte grew 16.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.9% growth in Omaha over the same period.

North Platte, NE

+16.6%

$45,946 (2024) → $53,569 (2025)

Omaha, NE

+17.9%

$49,220 (2019) → $58,020 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: North Platte or Omaha?

Omaha has a higher median graphic designer salary at $59,969/year, compared to North Platte at $55,369/year — a difference of $4,600 (8.31%).

What is the hourly rate difference between North Platte and Omaha?

North Platte graphic designers earn $26.62/hr while Omaha hygienists earn $28.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from North Platte to Omaha as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing North Platte and Omaha. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: North Platte = $60,513, Omaha = $65,247), job availability (4 vs 1,020 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in North Platte vs Omaha?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $38,289 in North Platte and $37,313 in Omaha. The North Platte 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