Graphic Designer Salary in Xenia, OH: $54,021 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Xenia, OH earns a median $54,021/year (≈ $25.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Xenia's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $59,560 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Xenia, Ohio, graphic designers can expect a median annual salary of $54,021 in 2026, reflecting a significant gap when compared to the national median of $65,075. The projected salary range for graphic designers in this city varies considerably, from a low of $35,339 to a high of $83,733. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026 and adjusted for local cost of living, illustrate the potential for earning more through specialties like motion graphics and brand identity, which tend to command premium rates. Xenia's job market, while modest—with only seven graphic designers currently employed—offers opportunities for those with in-demand skills and a robust portfolio, especially in agency settings or specialized in-house corporate positions.
About the Xenia Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,339 | $16.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,595 | $20.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,021 | $25.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,852 | $33.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,733 | $40.26 |
Median Salary Position
16.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Xenia
In Xenia, OH, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,394 (2026 est.). At $54,021, the local median is 16.99% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Xenia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Xenia Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Xenia median: $54,021/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Xenia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $56,984 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -16.99% less |
Graphic Designers in Xenia, OH earn a median of $54,021 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.99% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.20% below the Ohio state average of $56,984.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Xenia 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.
Xenia, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $54,021 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,560 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,258
2025 BLS Actual
$52,265
2026 Current Est.
$54,021
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Xenia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,258 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,312 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,096 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,139 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,903 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,276 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,265 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,021 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,836 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Xenia metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $43,258 (2019) to $52,265 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,836 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,578 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Xenia 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) | $35,339 – $42,595 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,595 – $54,021 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,021 – $68,852 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,852 – $83,733 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Xenia
Graphic designer pay in Xenia, OH, is influenced not only by technical skill but also by the local economic landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 90.7, the area is below the national average, allowing designers to enjoy a more affordable lifestyle compared to many urban centers. Higher salaries can typically be found in in-house corporate marketing teams or reputable advertising agencies, as these employers often prioritize experience and specialization. The disparity in compensation reflects various factors, including niche expertise, the prestige of the employing agency, and the strength of an individual's portfolio. Designers aiming to maximize their income in Xenia should consider honing specialized skills, such as motion graphics, to distinguish themselves in a competitive market. Additionally, networking and leveraging freelance opportunities can help draw in higher-paying clients, allowing for a more sustainable income model as they navigate both corporate and freelance avenues.
More salary data for Xenia, 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 $52,265 for graphic designersin the Xenia 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 Xenia 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