Graphic Designer Pay

Cincinnati vs Grove City: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Grove City, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cincinnati, OH
$64,352
$30.94/hr
Grove City, OH
$56,334
$27.08/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCincinnati, OHGrove City, OH
Median Salary$64,352$56,334
Hourly Rate$30.94$27.08
Entry Level (P10)$41,520$36,094
25th Percentile$51,856$43,858
75th Percentile$84,011$71,172
Top Earner (P90)$103,980$87,319
Total Employed1,7307
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cincinnati ($64,352) and Grove City ($56,334) graphic designer salaries.CincinnatiGrove CityMedian Salary$64,352$56,334Entry Level (P10)$41,520$36,094Top Earner (P90)$103,980$87,319US Median $65,075

Verdict

Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grove City.

The salary gap between Cincinnati and Grove City is $8,018 (14.23%). Cincinnati's median is -1.11% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $62,460,Grove City spans $51,225. Cincinnati has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cincinnati
P10 (Entry)$41,520
P25$51,856
Median$64,352
P75$84,011
P90 (Top)$103,980
Grove City
P10 (Entry)$36,094
P25$43,858
Median$56,334
P75$71,172
P90 (Top)$87,319

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($67,476 effective) pays 8.64% more than Grove City ($62,110 effective).

Cincinnati
Nominal: $64,352
CoL Index: 95.37
Adjusted: $67,476
Grove City
Nominal: $56,334
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $62,110

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cincinnati if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,352/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($103,980)
  • Larger job market (1,730 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,476)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Grove City if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Cincinnati grew 27.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.6% growth in Grove City over the same period.

Cincinnati, OH

+27.8%

$48,720 (2019) → $62,260 (2025)

Grove City, OH

+10.6%

$49,300 (2024) → $54,503 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Cincinnati or Grove City?

Cincinnati has a higher median graphic designer salary at $64,352/year, compared to Grove City at $56,334/year — a difference of $8,018 (14.23%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Grove City?

Cincinnati graphic designers earn $30.94/hr while Grove City hygienists earn $27.08/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Grove City as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cincinnati and Grove City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cincinnati = $67,476, Grove City = $62,110), job availability (1,730 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Cincinnati vs Grove City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $41,520 in Cincinnati and $36,094 in Grove City. The Cincinnati 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