Graphic Designer Salary in Solon, OH: $52,389 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Solon, OH earns a median $52,389/year (≈ $25.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Solon's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $57,761 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.1% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Solon, Ohio, the projected median annual salary for graphic designers in 2026 stands at $52,389, reflecting a market that offers a wide salary range from $35,430 at the lowest end to $81,203 for the top earners. These figures, shaped by local economic conditions and cost-of-living adjustments, illustrate the nuanced landscape for graphic designer pay in Solon, OH. In this market, designers might find themselves navigating a mix of freelance day rates and project rates that can significantly affect their total compensation. Notably, the broader national context shows that designers elsewhere command a higher median salary, emphasizing the opportunities for growth and development within Solon’s creative economy.
About the Solon Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,430 | $17.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,008 | $20.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,389 | $25.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,887 | $32.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,203 | $39.04 |
Median Salary Position
19.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Solon
In Solon, OH, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,773 (2026 est.). At $52,389, the local median is 19.49% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Solon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Solon Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Solon median: $52,389/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Solon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $57,007 | -8.10% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -19.49% less |
Graphic Designers in Solon, OH earn a median of $52,389 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.49% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 8.10% below the Ohio state average of $57,007.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Solon 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.
Solon, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $52,389 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,761 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,951
2025 BLS Actual
$50,686
2026 Current Est.
$52,389
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Solon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,951 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,974 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,824 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,685 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,426 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,847 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,686 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,389 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,149 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Solon metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $41,951 (2019) to $50,686 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,149 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,198 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Solon 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) | $35,430 – $42,008 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,008 – $52,389 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,389 – $66,887 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,887 – $81,203 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Solon
The local job market in Solon currently employs six graphic designers, highlighting the concentrated yet specialized nature of design roles in the area. With a cost of living index of 90.7, residents may find that their take-home pay stretches further than in many urban settings, allowing for increased purchasing power despite lower salaries compared to national averages. Employers that tend to offer the best compensation include in-house corporate marketing teams within sectors like finance and consumer packaged goods, which typically provide steadier salaries and benefits. The disparity between lower and higher pay can often be attributed to specialization—areas such as motion graphics and brand identity can yield higher returns, while agency roles may provide varied project challenges accompanied by a creative ceiling. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, focusing on building a strong portfolio, gaining expertise in high-demand specialties, and considering freelance work for premium clients could be prudent strategies in the Solon market.
More salary data for Solon, 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 $50,686 for graphic designersin the Solon 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 Solon 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