Graphic Designer Pay

Central Falls vs Pawtucket: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Central Falls, RI and Pawtucket, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Central Falls, RI
$60,344
$29.01/hr
Pawtucket, RI
$65,330
$31.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCentral Falls, RIPawtucket, RI
Median Salary$60,344$65,330
Hourly Rate$29.01$31.41
Entry Level (P10)$41,203$39,573
25th Percentile$48,673$49,321
75th Percentile$75,942$83,622
Top Earner (P90)$93,533$101,261
Total Employed616
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Central Falls ($60,344) and Pawtucket ($65,330) graphic designer salaries.Central FallsPawtucketMedian Salary$60,344$65,330Entry Level (P10)$41,203$39,573Top Earner (P90)$93,533$101,261US Median $65,075

Verdict

Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Central Falls.

The salary gap between Central Falls and Pawtucket is $4,986 (8.26%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Central Falls spans $52,330,Pawtucket spans $61,688. Pawtucket has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Central Falls
P10 (Entry)$41,203
P25$48,673
Median$60,344
P75$75,942
P90 (Top)$93,533
Pawtucket
P10 (Entry)$39,573
P25$49,321
Median$65,330
P75$83,622
P90 (Top)$101,261

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pawtucket ($65,005 effective) pays 8.26% more than Central Falls ($60,044 effective).

Central Falls
Nominal: $60,344
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $60,044
Pawtucket
Nominal: $65,330
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $65,005

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Central Falls if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Pawtucket if…

  • Higher median salary ($65,330/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($101,261)
  • Larger job market (16 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,005)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Central Falls grew 8.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.6% growth in Pawtucket over the same period.

Central Falls, RI

+8.6%

$53,782 (2024) → $58,382 (2025)

Pawtucket, RI

+8.6%

$58,226 (2024) → $63,206 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Central Falls or Pawtucket?

Pawtucket has a higher median graphic designer salary at $65,330/year, compared to Central Falls at $60,344/year — a difference of $4,986 (8.26%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Central Falls and Pawtucket?

Central Falls graphic designers earn $29.01/hr while Pawtucket hygienists earn $31.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Central Falls to Pawtucket as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Central Falls and Pawtucket. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Central Falls = $60,044, Pawtucket = $65,005), job availability (6 vs 16 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Central Falls vs Pawtucket?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $41,203 in Central Falls and $39,573 in Pawtucket. The Central Falls 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