Graphic Designer Pay

Brunswick vs Columbus: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

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

Brunswick, OH
$55,162
$26.52/hr
Columbus, OH
$66,150
$31.80/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrunswick, OHColumbus, OH
Median Salary$55,162$66,150
Hourly Rate$26.52$31.80
Entry Level (P10)$37,905$43,856
25th Percentile$44,881$52,869
75th Percentile$70,607$86,037
Top Earner (P90)$85,501$106,161
Total Employed61,470
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brunswick ($55,162) and Columbus ($66,150) graphic designer salaries.BrunswickColumbusMedian Salary$55,162$66,150Entry Level (P10)$37,905$43,856Top Earner (P90)$85,501$106,161US Median $65,075

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Brunswick and Columbus is $10,988 (19.92%). Columbus's median is +1.65% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brunswick spans $47,596,Columbus spans $62,305. Columbus has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Brunswick
P10 (Entry)$37,905
P25$44,881
Median$55,162
P75$70,607
P90 (Top)$85,501
Columbus
P10 (Entry)$43,856
P25$52,869
Median$66,150
P75$86,037
P90 (Top)$106,161

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($69,290 effective) pays 13.93% more than Brunswick ($60,818 effective).

Brunswick
Nominal: $55,162
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $60,818
Columbus
Nominal: $66,150
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $69,290

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brunswick if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Columbus if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,150/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($106,161)
  • Larger job market (1,470 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,290)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Brunswick grew 10.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.5% growth in Columbus over the same period.

Brunswick, OH

+10.6%

$48,274 (2024) → $53,369 (2025)

Columbus, OH

+8.5%

$58,970 (2019) → $64,000 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Brunswick or Columbus?

Columbus has a higher median graphic designer salary at $66,150/year, compared to Brunswick at $55,162/year — a difference of $10,988 (19.92%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brunswick and Columbus?

Brunswick graphic designers earn $26.52/hr while Columbus hygienists earn $31.80/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brunswick and Columbus. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brunswick = $60,818, Columbus = $69,290), job availability (6 vs 1,470 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $37,905 in Brunswick and $43,856 in Columbus. The Columbus 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