Graphic Designer Salary in Athens, GA: $49,354 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Athens, GA earns a median $49,354/year (≈ $23.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Athens's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.3), that paycheck buys what $52,874 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.0% below the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Athens, Georgia, the anticipated annual salary for graphic designers is pegged at $49,354 in 2026, which is notably below the national median of $65,075 for the same year. Those in this field can expect a salary range extending from $29,323 at the lower end to $67,174 for those at the higher end of the spectrum. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, reveals how the choice between agency work and in-house corporate roles can impact pay. Graphic designers employed in advertising and branding agencies tend to have a more varied project portfolio, albeit often starting with a lower base salary compared to their in-house counterparts, who may benefit from steadier pay and established benefits packages. This dynamic plays a significant role in shaping the local job market for design professionals in Athens.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,323 | $14.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,450 | $18.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,354 | $23.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,732 | $28.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,174 | $32.30 |
Median Salary Position
24.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Athens
In Athens, GA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,851 (2026 est.). At $49,354, the local median is 24.16% below the national median of $65,075.
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At 40 hours/week in Athens: You'd be above the median
How Athens Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Athens median: $49,354/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Athens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $53,646 | -8.00% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -24.16% less |
Graphic Designers in Athens, GA earn a median of $49,354 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.16% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 8.00% below the Georgia state average of $53,646.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Athens has a cost of living 6.66% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Athens, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.343 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $49,354 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,874 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.13% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,130
2025 BLS Actual
$47,750
2026 Current Est.
$49,354
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,300 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,750 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,354 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,013 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Athens metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 25.2% from $38,130 (2019) to $47,750 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,013 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,883 (33.79%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Athens metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.36% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $29,323 – $38,450 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,450 – $49,354 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,354 – $59,732 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,732 – $67,174 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Athens
Analyzing the job landscape reveals that there are approximately 80 graphic designers currently employed in Athens, contributing to a vibrancy in the local creative economy. The cost-of-living index stands at 93.343, indicating that living expenses are lower than the national average, which somewhat bolsters purchasing power but also suggests that salaries may not be as competitive. In terms of compensation, in-house corporate roles, particularly in sectors like finance or consumer packaged goods, generally pay more than retail positions. The income variation hinges on several factors, including specialization—those with expertise in areas like motion graphics or brand identity can negotiate higher salaries—agency prestige, and portfolio strength. For designers looking to maximize their earnings in Athens, strategically enhancing skill sets, cultivating a strong portfolio, and exploring contract work at premium agencies may lead to better pay outcomes in a market where contract and freelance opportunities continue to grow.
More salary data for Athens, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,750 for graphic designersin the Athens metropolitan area. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov