Graphic Designer Pay

Atlanta vs Brunswick: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Atlanta, GA and Brunswick, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$64,786
$31.15/hr
Brunswick, GA
$46,037
$22.14/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GABrunswick, GA
Median Salary$64,786$46,037
Hourly Rate$31.15$22.14
Entry Level (P10)$38,098$28,837
25th Percentile$48,393$40,569
75th Percentile$82,409$61,323
Top Earner (P90)$106,564$81,499
Total Employed4,06030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($64,786) and Brunswick ($46,037) graphic designer salaries.AtlantaBrunswickMedian Salary$64,786$46,037Entry Level (P10)$38,098$28,837Top Earner (P90)$106,564$81,499US Median $65,075

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brunswick.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Brunswick is $18,749 (40.73%). Atlanta's median is -0.44% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $68,466,Brunswick spans $52,662. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$38,098
P25$48,393
Median$64,786
P75$82,409
P90 (Top)$106,564
Brunswick
P10 (Entry)$28,837
P25$40,569
Median$46,037
P75$61,323
P90 (Top)$81,499

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($64,748 effective) pays 23.36% more than Brunswick ($52,489 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $64,786
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $64,748
Brunswick
Nominal: $46,037
CoL Index: 87.708
Adjusted: $52,489

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,786/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($106,564)
  • Larger job market (4,060 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,748)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Brunswick if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Atlanta grew 19.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.2% growth in Brunswick over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+19.8%

$52,300 (2019) → $62,680 (2025)

Brunswick, GA

+12.2%

$39,700 (2019) → $44,540 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Atlanta or Brunswick?

Atlanta has a higher median graphic designer salary at $64,786/year, compared to Brunswick at $46,037/year — a difference of $18,749 (40.73%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Brunswick?

Atlanta graphic designers earn $31.15/hr while Brunswick hygienists earn $22.14/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Brunswick as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Brunswick. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $64,748, Brunswick = $52,489), job availability (4,060 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Atlanta vs Brunswick?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $38,098 in Atlanta and $28,837 in Brunswick. The Atlanta area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, BFAData verified by Carlos Rodriguez, MA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov