Graphic Designer Salary in Klamath Falls, OR: $55,198 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Klamath Falls, OR earns a median $55,198/year (≈ $26.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Klamath Falls's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $53,799 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Klamath Falls, the projected median annual graphic designer salary for 2026 stands at $55,198, reflecting a notable gap of 15.18% below the national figure of $65,075. This figure encompasses a salary range from $37,488 at the 10th percentile to $85,557 at the 90th percentile, suggesting diverse earning potential based on experience, specialization, and the nature of employment. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data highlight the city’s unique market dynamics, where designers may choose between in-house corporate roles that typically offer more stability and agency positions, which can provide broader experience and creative opportunities but may start lower in pay. While the design job market in Klamath Falls remains relatively small with only four employed graphic designers, the city's economic landscape shapes overall compensation prospects strategically.
About the Klamath Falls Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,488 | $18.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,419 | $21.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,198 | $26.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,576 | $33.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,557 | $41.14 |
Median Salary Position
15.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Klamath Falls
In Klamath Falls, OR, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,069 (2026 est.). At $55,198, the local median is 15.18% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Klamath Falls: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Klamath Falls Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Klamath Falls median: $55,198/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Klamath Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $59,933 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -15.18% less |
Graphic Designers in Klamath Falls, OR earn a median of $55,198 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.18% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.90% below the Oregon state average of $59,933.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Klamath Falls has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Klamath Falls, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $55,198 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,799 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,201
2025 BLS Actual
$53,404
2026 Current Est.
$55,198
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Klamath Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,201 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,278 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,013 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,188 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,969 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,602 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,404 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,198 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,053 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Klamath Falls metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $44,201 (2019) to $53,404 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,053 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,852 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Klamath Falls 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) | $37,488 – $44,419 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,419 – $55,198 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,198 – $70,576 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,576 – $85,557 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Klamath Falls
With a cost-of-living index of 102.6, Klamath Falls presents a moderate financial environment for graphic designers. This reality directly impacts take-home pay and purchasing power specific to the area. Among local employers, in-house branding teams within banks and consumer packaged goods industries tend to offer higher compensation compared to freelance opportunities, which often face market pressures from commoditized platforms. The disparity in salaries is influenced by specialization; designers focusing on motion graphics or brand identity often command higher rates than those engaging in general graphic design. Additionally, employers within top-tier advertising agencies may offer premium compensation for experienced creative director roles, further widening the pay scale. For designers aiming to maximize their earnings in Klamath Falls, building a strong portfolio emphasizing sought-after skills, networking locally, and exploring varied income streams—such as freelance or agency work—are essential strategies to enhance job prospects and salary outcomes in this market.
More salary data for Klamath Falls, 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 $53,404 for graphic designersin the Klamath Falls 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 Klamath Falls 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