Graphic Designer Pay

Atlantic City vs Franklin: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Franklin, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlantic City, NJ
$65,975
$31.72/hr
Franklin, NJ
$76,002
$36.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlantic City, NJFranklin, NJ
Median Salary$65,975$76,002
Hourly Rate$31.72$36.54
Entry Level (P10)$44,600$47,867
25th Percentile$55,701$58,750
75th Percentile$84,238$97,282
Top Earner (P90)$100,135$117,802
Total Employed12015
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlantic City ($65,975) and Franklin ($76,002) graphic designer salaries.Atlantic CityFranklinMedian Salary$65,975$76,002Entry Level (P10)$44,600$47,867Top Earner (P90)$100,135$117,802US Median $65,075

Verdict

Franklin, NJ offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.

The salary gap between Atlantic City and Franklin is $10,027 (15.20%). Franklin's median is +16.79% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $55,535,Franklin spans $69,935. Franklin has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Atlantic City
P10 (Entry)$44,600
P25$55,701
Median$65,975
P75$84,238
P90 (Top)$100,135
Franklin
P10 (Entry)$47,867
P25$58,750
Median$76,002
P75$97,282
P90 (Top)$117,802

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlantic City ($66,738 effective) pays 1.16% more than Franklin ($65,974 effective).

Atlantic City
Nominal: $65,975
CoL Index: 98.857
Adjusted: $66,738
Franklin
Nominal: $76,002
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $65,974

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlantic City if…

  • Larger job market (120 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,738)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Franklin if…

  • Higher median salary ($76,002/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($117,802)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Atlantic City grew 29.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.6% growth in Franklin over the same period.

Atlantic City, NJ

+29.7%

$49,200 (2019) → $63,830 (2025)

Franklin, NJ

+-12.6%

$84,089 (2024) → $73,531 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Atlantic City or Franklin?

Franklin has a higher median graphic designer salary at $76,002/year, compared to Atlantic City at $65,975/year — a difference of $10,027 (15.20%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Franklin?

Atlantic City graphic designers earn $31.72/hr while Franklin hygienists earn $36.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Franklin as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlantic City and Franklin. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlantic City = $66,738, Franklin = $65,974), job availability (120 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Atlantic City vs Franklin?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $44,600 in Atlantic City and $47,867 in Franklin. The Franklin area offers higher starting salaries.
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