Graphic Designer Salary in Lakewood, OH: $56,715 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Lakewood, OH earns a median $56,715/year (≈ $27.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $62,530 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Lakewood, Ohio can expect to earn a median annual salary of $56,715, reflecting local market conditions and a cost of living index of 90.7. Salary ranges in this sector are quite diverse, spanning from $33,992 at the 10th percentile to $87,908 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected for 2026, indicate a market that, while competitive, offers opportunities for both higher and lower earnings depending on specialization and experience. The projected compensation highlights the potential premium for graphic designers who specialize in motion graphics or brand identity, which can significantly enhance their overall pay scale in Lakewood.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,992 | $16.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,545 | $20.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,715 | $27.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,595 | $34.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,908 | $42.26 |
Median Salary Position
12.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, OH, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,916 (2026 est.). At $56,715, the local median is 12.85% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $56,715/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $57,000 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -12.85% less |
Graphic Designers in Lakewood, OH earn a median of $56,715 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.85% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.50% below the Ohio state average of $57,000.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood 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.
Lakewood, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $56,715 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,530 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,415
2025 BLS Actual
$54,871
2026 Current Est.
$56,715
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,415 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,522 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,195 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,540 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,341 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,633 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,871 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,715 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,620 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $45,415 (2019) to $54,871 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,620 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,205 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $33,992 – $42,545 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,545 – $56,715 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,715 – $72,595 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,595 – $87,908 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Lakewood
With only 11 graphic designers currently employed in Lakewood, the city presents a small but focused market for design professionals. The cost of living is favorable, which can further amplify take-home pay. Top earners in the area typically find positions within in-house corporate marketing teams for banks and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, which often offer more stable compensation than agency roles. Agencies and digital firms might provide varied project experiences but tend to pay lower starting salaries. To maximize their earning potential, designers should consider specializing in high-demand areas like motion graphics or developing a strong portfolio to attract premium clients in the freelance sector. Understanding this local context enables graphic designers to navigate their career trajectory in Lakewood with strategic insights about salary dynamics and job opportunities.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 $54,871 for graphic designersin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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