Graphic Designer Pay

Atlanta vs Pooler: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

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

Atlanta, GA
$64,786
$31.15/hr
Pooler, GA
$53,014
$25.49/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAPooler, GA
Median Salary$64,786$53,014
Hourly Rate$31.15$25.49
Entry Level (P10)$38,098$32,337
25th Percentile$48,393$43,299
75th Percentile$82,409$67,032
Top Earner (P90)$106,564$82,172
Total Employed4,0606
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($64,786) and Pooler ($53,014) graphic designer salaries.AtlantaPoolerMedian Salary$64,786$53,014Entry Level (P10)$38,098$32,337Top Earner (P90)$106,564$82,172US Median $65,075

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Atlanta and Pooler is $11,772 (22.21%). 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,Pooler spans $49,835. 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
Pooler
P10 (Entry)$32,337
P25$43,299
Median$53,014
P75$67,032
P90 (Top)$82,172

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($64,748 effective) pays 13.71% more than Pooler ($56,943 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $64,786
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $64,748
Pooler
Nominal: $53,014
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $56,943

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 Pooler 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 -7.1% growth in Pooler over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+19.8%

$52,300 (2019) → $62,680 (2025)

Pooler, GA

+-7.1%

$55,183 (2024) → $51,291 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Atlanta or Pooler?

Atlanta has a higher median graphic designer salary at $64,786/year, compared to Pooler at $53,014/year — a difference of $11,772 (22.21%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Pooler?

Atlanta graphic designers earn $31.15/hr while Pooler hygienists earn $25.49/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Pooler. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $64,748, Pooler = $56,943), job availability (4,060 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $38,098 in Atlanta and $32,337 in Pooler. 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