Columbia vs Kansas City: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Columbia, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,153 | $62,006▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.59 | $29.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,941 | $42,481▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,874 | $50,367▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,298 | $78,088▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,169 | $100,559▲ |
| Total Employed | 140 | 1,720▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Kansas City is $10,853 (21.22%). Kansas City's median is -4.72% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $32,228,Kansas City spans $58,078. Kansas City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($67,002 effective) pays 17.15% more than Columbia ($57,194 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,006/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,559)
- ✓Larger job market (1,720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,002)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Columbia grew 35.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$36,550 (2019) → $49,490 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$50,790 (2019) → $59,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Columbia or Kansas City?
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Should I relocate from Columbia to Kansas City as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Columbia vs Kansas City?
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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