Graphic Designer Pay

Baltimore vs Lexington Park: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Baltimore, MD and Lexington Park, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baltimore, MD
$78,337
$37.66/hr
Lexington Park, MD
$69,840
$33.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDLexington Park, MD
Median Salary$78,337$69,840
Hourly Rate$37.66$33.58
Entry Level (P10)$47,535$40,703
25th Percentile$60,000$52,011
75th Percentile$92,394$93,262
Top Earner (P90)$110,719$104,910
Total Employed1,35060
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($78,337) and Lexington Park ($69,840) graphic designer salaries.BaltimoreLexington ParkMedian Salary$78,337$69,840Entry Level (P10)$47,535$40,703Top Earner (P90)$110,719$104,910US Median $65,075

Verdict

Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington Park.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Lexington Park is $8,497 (12.17%). Baltimore's median is +20.38% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $63,184,Lexington Park spans $64,207. Lexington Park has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$47,535
P25$60,000
Median$78,337
P75$92,394
P90 (Top)$110,719
Lexington Park
P10 (Entry)$40,703
P25$52,011
Median$69,840
P75$93,262
P90 (Top)$104,910

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($74,973 effective) pays 8.17% more than Lexington Park ($69,313 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $78,337
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $74,973
Lexington Park
Nominal: $69,840
CoL Index: 100.76
Adjusted: $69,313

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Higher median salary ($78,337/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($110,719)
  • Larger job market (1,350 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,973)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Lexington Park if…

  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Baltimore grew 47.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.0% growth in Lexington Park over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+47.0%

$51,560 (2019) → $75,790 (2025)

Lexington Park, MD

+7.0%

$63,130 (2024) → $67,570 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Baltimore or Lexington Park?

Baltimore has a higher median graphic designer salary at $78,337/year, compared to Lexington Park at $69,840/year — a difference of $8,497 (12.17%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Lexington Park?

Baltimore graphic designers earn $37.66/hr while Lexington Park hygienists earn $33.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Lexington Park as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Lexington Park. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $74,973, Lexington Park = $69,313), job availability (1,350 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Baltimore vs Lexington Park?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $47,535 in Baltimore and $40,703 in Lexington Park. The Baltimore 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