Graphic Designer Salary in Wadsworth, OH: $52,552 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Wadsworth, OH earns a median $52,552/year (≈ $25.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Wadsworth's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $57,940 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.8% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Wadsworth, Ohio can expect to see a median annual salary of $52,552 in 2026, which reflects a considerable gap when compared to the national median of $65,075. The salary range for graphic designers locally shows variation, with the lowest earners receiving approximately $35,583 and the highest approximately $81,456. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight the competitive landscape for designers in the area. Given the relatively modest salary projections, individuals seeking graphic designer pay in Wadsworth, OH, must navigate between opportunities in freelance work and positions within local firms, where factors like industry specialization and design role expectations can significantly impact compensation.
About the Wadsworth Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,583 | $17.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,336 | $20.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,552 | $25.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,203 | $32.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,456 | $39.16 |
Median Salary Position
19.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wadsworth
In Wadsworth, OH, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,873 (2026 est.). At $52,552, the local median is 19.24% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wadsworth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wadsworth Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Wadsworth median: $52,552/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wadsworth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $56,998 | -7.80% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -19.24% less |
Graphic Designers in Wadsworth, OH earn a median of $52,552 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.24% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.80% below the Ohio state average of $56,998.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wadsworth 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.
Wadsworth, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $52,552 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,940 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,082
2025 BLS Actual
$50,844
2026 Current Est.
$52,552
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Wadsworth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,082 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,108 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,951 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,573 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,844 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,552 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,318 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wadsworth metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $42,082 (2019) to $50,844 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,318 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,236 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wadsworth 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) | $35,583 – $42,336 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,336 – $52,552 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,552 – $67,203 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,203 – $81,456 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Wadsworth
As of 2026, Wadsworth employs only six graphic designers, indicating a niche market with limited yet specialized opportunities. The cost of living index for the area stands at 90.7, suggesting that while salaries might be lower than national averages, the overall affordability allows designers to stretch their earnings further. In-house positions within corporate marketing teams, particularly in sectors such as finance and consumer packaged goods, tend to offer the most competitive salaries. On the flip side, designers working at advertising agencies may face a broader range of projects but often start at lower pay. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to both specialty areas—like motion graphics and brand identity—and agency versus in-house environments, where the latter typically offers steadier benefits. To maximize their salary potential in Wadsworth, graphic designers should focus on building a robust portfolio and consider pursuing freelance opportunities selectively, employing project-based pricing strategies that can yield higher returns.
More salary data for Wadsworth, 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 $50,844 for graphic designersin the Wadsworth 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 Wadsworth 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