Graphic Designer Pay

Cincinnati vs Solon: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

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

Cincinnati, OH
$64,352
$30.94/hr
Solon, OH
$52,389
$25.19/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCincinnati, OHSolon, OH
Median Salary$64,352$52,389
Hourly Rate$30.94$25.19
Entry Level (P10)$41,520$35,430
25th Percentile$51,856$42,008
75th Percentile$84,011$66,887
Top Earner (P90)$103,980$81,203
Total Employed1,7306
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cincinnati ($64,352) and Solon ($52,389) graphic designer salaries.CincinnatiSolonMedian Salary$64,352$52,389Entry Level (P10)$41,520$35,430Top Earner (P90)$103,980$81,203US Median $65,075

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Cincinnati and Solon is $11,963 (22.83%). 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,Solon spans $45,773. 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
Solon
P10 (Entry)$35,430
P25$42,008
Median$52,389
P75$66,887
P90 (Top)$81,203

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($67,476 effective) pays 16.82% more than Solon ($57,761 effective).

Cincinnati
Nominal: $64,352
CoL Index: 95.37
Adjusted: $67,476
Solon
Nominal: $52,389
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $57,761

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 Solon 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 Solon over the same period.

Cincinnati, OH

+27.8%

$48,720 (2019) → $62,260 (2025)

Solon, OH

+10.6%

$45,847 (2024) → $50,686 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Cincinnati or Solon?

Cincinnati has a higher median graphic designer salary at $64,352/year, compared to Solon at $52,389/year — a difference of $11,963 (22.83%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Solon?

Cincinnati graphic designers earn $30.94/hr while Solon hygienists earn $25.19/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Solon as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cincinnati and Solon. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cincinnati = $67,476, Solon = $57,761), job availability (1,730 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $41,520 in Cincinnati and $35,430 in Solon. 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