Graphic Designer Pay

Graphic Designer Salary in Kennesaw, GA: $51,232 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Kennesaw, GA earns a median $51,232/year (≈ $24.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Kennesaw's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $55,029 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Georgia state average.

$51,232
Median Annual Salary
$24.63/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$34,123
Entry Level (P10)
$79,410
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Graphic Designer Salary in Kennesaw, GA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Kennesaw, GA graphic designer salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Kennesaw, Georgia, the projected 2026 median annual graphic designer salary stands at $51,232, reflecting a noteworthy 21.27% lower than the national median of $65,075. The salary range for graphic designers in Kennesaw falls between $34,123 at the 10th percentile and $79,410 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse market for varying specializations and experience levels. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, highlighting the valuation of graphic design skills, particularly for those specializing in motion graphics and brand identity. As Kennesaw continues to develop its creative sector, opportunities are emerging for designers who can leverage advanced skills in these areas to achieve higher pay within the market.

About the Kennesaw Market

Salary estimated from Georgia average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$34,123$16.40
Lower Range (P25)$39,706$19.09
Median (P50)(typical)$51,232$24.63
Upper Range (P75)$65,578$31.52
Top Earners (P90)$79,410$38.18

Median Salary Position

$34,123$79,410
City Median: $51,232
National: $65,075
P10–P90 Range

21.27% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kennesaw

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for graphic designers in Kennesaw. The median salary is $51,232, compared to the national median of $65,075.$30.7K$43.9K$57.0K$70.2K$83.4K$34.1K10th Pctl$39.7K25th Pctl$51.2KMedian$65.6K75th Pctl$79.4K90th PctlUS Median$65.1K

In Kennesaw, GA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,287 (2026 est.). At $51,232, the local median is 21.27% below the national median of $65,075.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of graphic designer pay in the Kennesaw metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$985
per week
$4,269
per month
$51,232
per year

At 40 hours/week in Kennesaw: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Kennesaw Graphic Designer Pay Compares

Kennesaw median: $51,232/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryKennesaw Pays
Georgia Average$53,647-4.50% less
National Average$65,075-21.27% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing graphic designer median salary in Kennesaw ($51,232) with Georgia average ($53,647) and the US national median ($65,075).Kennesaw$51,232Georgia Avg$53,647-4.50%US National$65,075-21.27%

Graphic Designers in Kennesaw, GA earn a median of $51,232 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.27% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 4.50% below the Georgia state average of $53,647.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$51,232
Nominal Salary
93.1
CoL Index
$55,029
Adjusted Salary

Kennesaw 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.

The nominal salary is $51,232. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 93.1, the purchasing-power equivalent is $55,029, a gain of $3,797.$43.5K$51.4K$59.2K$67.0K$74.8K$51,232NominalSalary$55,029CoL Adjusted(CoL: 93.1) 7.41%US Median $65.1K

Kennesaw, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $51,232 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,029 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.

Compare Purchasing Power

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2019 BLS Actual

$41,025

2025 BLS Actual

$49,567

2026 Current Est.

$51,232

2019–2027 Growth

+29.1%

Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Kennesaw (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for graphic designers in Kennesaw. Baseline $41,025 in 2025, projected to $52,954 by 2027.$37.2K$41.9K$46.6K$51.3K$56.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$41.0K$42.0K$39.9K$45.7K$46.4K$53.3K$49.6K$51.2K$53.0K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$41,025Actual
2020$42,025Actual
2021$39,923Actual
2022$45,654Actual
2023$46,379Actual
2024$53,328Actual
2025$49,567Actual
2026(current)$51,232Estimated
2027$52,954Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kennesaw metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $41,025 (2019) to $49,567 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,954 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,929 (29.08%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennesaw metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$34,123$39,706
3-5 years (Mid Career)$39,706$51,232
5+ years (Experienced)$51,232$65,578
10+ years (Top Earner)$65,578$79,410

salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

Graphic Designer Job Market in Kennesaw

Currently, the graphic designer job market in Kennesaw employs approximately eight individuals in this profession, providing a competitive but potentially limited landscape for aspiring designers. With a cost-of-living index of 93.1, designers in the area may find that their purchasing power is favorable compared to national averages. In-house corporate marketing teams at well-established banks or consumer goods companies often offer the most lucrative roles, while advertising agencies provide varied projects that can stimulate creativity and lead to personal growth, albeit at potentially lower base salaries. The disparity in pay often comes from specialties such as motion graphics and brand identity, which are highly sought after, compared to more general graphic design work. To increase earnings, designers should focus on building robust portfolios that showcase relevant skills, consider freelance opportunities to diversify income, and strategically target agencies or corporations that prioritize innovative design solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do graphic designers make in Kennesaw, GA in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median graphic designer salary in Kennesaw is $51,232/year ($24.63/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.36% annual growth). Salaries range from $34,123 at entry level (10th percentile) to $79,410 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Kennesaw at 21.3% below the national median. Full-time graphic designers typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Kennesaw, GA a good place to work as a graphic designer?

Kennesaw graphic designer salaries are 21.3% below the national average and 4.5% below the Georgia state average. The metro area employs approximately 8 graphic designers. With a cost-of-living index of 93.1, your salary stretches further here than in higher-cost metros. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can graphic designers make $100K in Kennesaw?

The median graphic designer salary in Kennesaw is $51,232, and the 90th percentile earns $79,410. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Kennesaw?

After adjusting for Kennesaw's cost-of-living index of 93.1 (where 100 equals the national average), the $51,232 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $55,029 in an average-cost city. This means your dollar goes 7.4% further in Kennesaw compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for graphic designers seeking strong real wages.

How much does a graphic designer make per hour in Kennesaw?

Graphic Designers in Kennesaw earn a median hourly rate of $24.63, which translates to approximately $51,232/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $16.40 for entry-level positions to $38.18 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem graphic designers sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

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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

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 $49,567 for graphic designersin the Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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