Graphic Designer Salary in Cartersville, GA: $51,117 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Cartersville, GA earns a median $51,117/year (≈ $24.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Cartersville's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $54,905 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Cartersville, Georgia can expect to earn a median annual salary of $51,117, significantly lower than the national median of $65,075, reflecting a difference of 21.45%. The local pay spans a range from $33,316 at the 10th percentile to $77,824 at the 90th percentile, with figures derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost of living. The potential for higher earnings often comes from specializing in motion graphics or brand identity, areas that command a premium due to their demand in creating engaging media and effective branding strategies. Given the modest employment number of only four graphic designers in Cartersville, the job market here can be quite competitive, emphasizing the need for a strong portfolio and specialized skills to carve out a lucrative career path.
About the Cartersville Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,316 | $16.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,077 | $19.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,117 | $24.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,245 | $30.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,824 | $37.42 |
Median Salary Position
21.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cartersville
In Cartersville, GA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,508 (2026 est.). At $51,117, the local median is 21.45% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cartersville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cartersville Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Cartersville median: $51,117/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cartersville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $53,638 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -21.45% less |
Graphic Designers in Cartersville, GA earn a median of $51,117 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.45% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 4.70% below the Georgia state average of $53,638.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cartersville has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cartersville, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $51,117 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,905 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$40,932
2025 BLS Actual
$49,455
2026 Current Est.
$51,117
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Cartersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,932 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,930 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,833 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,551 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,274 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,208 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,455 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,117 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,834 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cartersville metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $40,932 (2019) to $49,455 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,834 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,902 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cartersville 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) | $33,316 – $40,077 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,077 – $51,117 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,117 – $63,245 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,245 – $77,824 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Cartersville
Local dynamics also indicate a cost of living index of 93.1 in Cartersville, suggesting that designers may enjoy a better take-home purchasing power compared to the national average. While there are a few in-house corporate marketing teams that pay well, companies in industries like CPG and finance tend to offer better compensation compared to general retailers. High salaries are often linked to the prestige of the agency, as positions in top advertising firms or corporate brand teams can significantly boost earnings. Factors contributing to the salary spread include specialization, agency tier, and portfolio strength. To optimize earning potential in this specific market, graphic designers should cultivate a strong brand identity within their professional presence, pursue contracts with reputable clients, and strive for excellence in motion graphics and branding to unlock more lucrative opportunities.
More salary data for Cartersville, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Cartersville, GA in 2026?
Is Cartersville, GA a good place to work as a graphic designer?
Can graphic designers make $100K in Cartersville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Cartersville?
How much does a graphic designer make per hour in Cartersville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 $49,455 for graphic designersin the Cartersville 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
Salary data for Cartersville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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