Baltimore vs Silver Spring: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Baltimore, MD and Silver Spring, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Silver Spring, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,337▲ | $69,309 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.66▲ | $33.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,535▲ | $44,787 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,000▲ | $54,427 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,394▲ | $88,716 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,719▲ | $107,429 |
| Total Employed | 1,350▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Silver Spring.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Silver Spring is $9,028 (13.03%). 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,Silver Spring spans $62,642. Baltimore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($74,973 effective) pays 18.23% more than Silver Spring ($63,412 effective).
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 Silver Spring 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 -3.1% growth in Silver Spring over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$51,560 (2019) → $75,790 (2025)
Silver Spring, MD
$69,229 (2024) → $67,056 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Silver Spring, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Baltimore or Silver Spring?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Silver Spring?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Silver Spring as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Baltimore vs Silver Spring?
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
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