Graphic Designer Salary in Oregon City, OR: $59,332 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Oregon City, OR earns a median $59,332/year (≈ $28.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Oregon City's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $57,828 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, graphic designers in Oregon City, Oregon are projected to earn a median annual salary of $59,332. This figure is approximately 8.83% lower than the national median of $65,075 for the same occupation, illustrating how local market dynamics influence compensation. Salaries for graphic designers in this area range from $38,210 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $91,965 at the higher end (90th percentile), indicating a potential for significant earnings depending on experience and specialty. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reveal a job market that rewards proficiency in areas like motion graphics and brand identity, often leading to premium compensation for those skilled in these specialties.
About the Oregon City Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,210 | $18.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,336 | $22.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,332 | $28.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,099 | $36.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,965 | $44.22 |
Median Salary Position
8.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oregon City
In Oregon City, OR, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,755 (2026 est.). At $59,332, the local median is 8.83% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oregon City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oregon City Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Oregon City median: $59,332/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oregon City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $59,931 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -8.83% less |
Graphic Designers in Oregon City, OR earn a median of $59,332 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.83% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.00% below the Oregon state average of $59,931.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oregon City has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oregon City, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,332 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,828 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,511
2025 BLS Actual
$57,403
2026 Current Est.
$59,332
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Oregon City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,511 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,669 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,234 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,872 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,403 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,332 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,325 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oregon City metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $47,511 (2019) to $57,403 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,325 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,814 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oregon City 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) | $38,210 – $46,336 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,336 – $59,332 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,332 – $75,099 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,099 – $91,965 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Oregon City
The employment landscape for graphic designers in Oregon City includes just six professionals, hinting at a small but potentially supportive local network. With a cost of living index of 102.6, salaries must be considered in relation to living expenses, which can impact take-home purchasing power. Companies utilizing in-house corporate marketing teams—such as those in finance or consumer goods—typically offer higher pay compared to many advertising or design agencies. The wage disparity in this market varies significantly based on design specialty and agency tier; top-tier agencies are known to provide premium compensation for advanced roles. To maximize earnings within Oregon City, designers should focus on building strong portfolios that showcase motion graphics and brand identity work, while also considering freelance opportunities that command better rates for experienced professionals.
More salary data for Oregon City, 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 $57,403 for graphic designersin the Oregon City 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 Oregon City 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