Buffalo vs Kingston: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Buffalo, NY and Kingston, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Kingston, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,016 | $63,473▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.82 | $30.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,633▲ | $40,011 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,675▲ | $46,522 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,598 | $76,869▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,383▲ | $89,820 |
| Total Employed | 540▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Buffalo and Kingston are closely matched on overall graphic designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Kingston is $1,457 (2.35%). Kingston's median is -2.46% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $58,750,Kingston spans $49,809. Buffalo 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, Buffalo ($64,705 effective) pays 2.66% more than Kingston ($63,026 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,383)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,705)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Kingston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,473/year)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Buffalo grew 25.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.4% growth in Kingston over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$47,930 (2019) → $60,000 (2025)
Kingston, NY
$41,940 (2019) → $61,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Kingston, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Buffalo or Kingston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Kingston?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Kingston as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Buffalo vs Kingston?
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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