Graphic Designer Salary in Ashland, OR: $56,793 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Ashland, OR earns a median $56,793/year (≈ $27.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Ashland's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $55,354 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Ashland, Oregon, can expect a median annual salary of $56,793, which falls below the national average of $65,075. The salaries range from $36,289 at the 10th percentile to $88,030 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities and specialization within the field. Those who work in-house with corporate marketing teams may find steadier pay and benefits, albeit with a narrower scope of work compared to agency positions, which often provide a broader range of project experiences. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments highlight these figures, illuminating Ashland's local market dynamics, which are influenced by its unique employment environment and cost-of-living factors.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,289 | $17.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,411 | $22.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,793 | $27.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,941 | $33.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,030 | $42.33 |
Median Salary Position
12.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
In Ashland, OR, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,741 (2026 est.). At $56,793, the local median is 12.73% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ashland Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Ashland median: $56,793/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $59,908 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -12.73% less |
Graphic Designers in Ashland, OR earn a median of $56,793 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $59,908.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashland has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashland, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,793 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,354 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,478
2025 BLS Actual
$54,947
2026 Current Est.
$56,793
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,478 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,586 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,256 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,412 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,295 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,947 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,793 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,701 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashland metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $45,478 (2019) to $54,947 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,701 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,223 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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) | $36,289 – $46,411 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,411 – $56,793 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,793 – $69,941 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,941 – $88,030 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Ashland
Currently, there are six graphic designers employed in Ashland, and the local cost of living index stands at 102.6, indicating that expenses are slightly higher than the national average. This reality affects take-home pay and purchasing power, making it essential for designers to negotiate competitive salaries. Employers that tend to offer the highest wages in the region include corporate marketing teams in sectors like consumer packaged goods and technology, as well as premium advertising agencies. The disparity in pay largely stems from specialization; for instance, designers focusing on motion graphics and brand identity often command higher rates due to their skill level and demand. Those aiming to maximize their compensation in Ashland should consider building a robust portfolio and seeking roles in top-tier agencies or affluent markets where their unique skill sets are at a premium.
More salary data for Ashland, OR:
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 $54,947 for graphic designersin the Ashland 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 Ashland 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