Graphic Designer Salary in Chillicothe, OH: $53,671 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Chillicothe, OH earns a median $53,671/year (≈ $25.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Chillicothe's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $59,174 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chillicothe, Ohio, the projected median salary for graphic designers in 2026 is $53,671. This amount reveals a significant gap compared to the national median of $65,075, highlighting a local market that offers a salary range from $33,680 at the lower end to $83,189 for the highest earners. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price disparities. As graphic designers weigh their options, they often contemplate the balance between freelance work and traditional employment; while freelancing can provide variable income depending on project rates, in-house roles typically offer more stability with consistent pay and benefits. With a handful of graphic designers employed locally, there’s a unique blend of competition and opportunity in Chillicothe's creative job market.
About the Chillicothe Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,680 | $16.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,625 | $21.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,671 | $25.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,698 | $33.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,189 | $39.99 |
Median Salary Position
17.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chillicothe
In Chillicothe, OH, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,509 (2026 est.). At $53,671, the local median is 17.52% below the national median of $65,075.
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At 40 hours/week in Chillicothe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chillicothe Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Chillicothe median: $53,671/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chillicothe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $56,975 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -17.52% less |
Graphic Designers in Chillicothe, OH earn a median of $53,671 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.52% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.80% below the Ohio state average of $56,975.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chillicothe has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chillicothe, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $53,671 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,174 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,978
2025 BLS Actual
$51,926
2026 Current Est.
$53,671
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Chillicothe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,978 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,025 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,823 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,827 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,586 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,969 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,926 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,671 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,474 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chillicothe metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $42,978 (2019) to $51,926 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,474 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,496 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chillicothe 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) | $33,680 – $44,625 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,625 – $53,671 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,671 – $68,698 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,698 – $83,189 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Chillicothe
The regional cost of living index stands at 90.7, suggesting that graphic designer pay in Chillicothe, OH, may not stretch as far as it would in more expensive locales despite a somewhat competitive salary structure. With only six graphic designers currently employed in the area, local opportunities can be limited, yet there is potential for higher pay in certain sectors like corporate marketing, particularly in finance and consumer packaged goods. The disparity in pay often stems from specialization; designers well-versed in areas like motion graphics or brand identity can command higher rates than those taking on general design roles. To maximize earnings, aspiring graphic designers could pursue portfolios that showcase niche skills, consider the potential of freelancing for premium clients, or aim for positions in growth sectors like tech or advertising agencies known for paying top-tier compensation.
More salary data for Chillicothe, OH:
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 $51,926 for graphic designersin the Chillicothe 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 Chillicothe 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