Graphic Designer Pay

Cleveland vs Tiffin: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

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

Cleveland, OH
$61,789
$29.71/hr
Tiffin, OH
$52,595
$25.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCleveland, OHTiffin, OH
Median Salary$61,789$52,595
Hourly Rate$29.71$25.28
Entry Level (P10)$41,137$35,912
25th Percentile$48,900$42,423
75th Percentile$76,755$66,268
Top Earner (P90)$90,337$81,522
Total Employed1,4306
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cleveland ($61,789) and Tiffin ($52,595) graphic designer salaries.ClevelandTiffinMedian Salary$61,789$52,595Entry Level (P10)$41,137$35,912Top Earner (P90)$90,337$81,522US Median $65,075

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Cleveland and Tiffin is $9,194 (17.48%). Cleveland's median is -5.05% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $49,200,Tiffin spans $45,610. Cleveland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cleveland
P10 (Entry)$41,137
P25$48,900
Median$61,789
P75$76,755
P90 (Top)$90,337
Tiffin
P10 (Entry)$35,912
P25$42,423
Median$52,595
P75$66,268
P90 (Top)$81,522

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($65,787 effective) pays 13.45% more than Tiffin ($57,988 effective).

Cleveland
Nominal: $61,789
CoL Index: 93.923
Adjusted: $65,787
Tiffin
Nominal: $52,595
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $57,988

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cleveland if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,789/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($90,337)
  • Larger job market (1,430 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,787)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Tiffin if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Cleveland grew 18.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.6% growth in Tiffin over the same period.

Cleveland, OH

+18.1%

$50,630 (2019) → $59,780 (2025)

Tiffin, OH

+10.6%

$46,027 (2024) → $50,885 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Cleveland or Tiffin?

Cleveland has a higher median graphic designer salary at $61,789/year, compared to Tiffin at $52,595/year — a difference of $9,194 (17.48%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Tiffin?

Cleveland graphic designers earn $29.71/hr while Tiffin hygienists earn $25.28/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cleveland to Tiffin as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cleveland and Tiffin. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cleveland = $65,787, Tiffin = $57,988), job availability (1,430 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Cleveland vs Tiffin?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $41,137 in Cleveland and $35,912 in Tiffin. The Cleveland 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