Graphic Designer Pay

Duluth vs Plymouth: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Duluth, MN and Plymouth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Duluth, MN
$59,907
$28.80/hr
Plymouth, MN
$59,676
$28.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDuluth, MNPlymouth, MN
Median Salary$59,907$59,676
Hourly Rate$28.80$28.69
Entry Level (P10)$37,303$35,255
25th Percentile$44,238$47,963
75th Percentile$68,652$76,385
Top Earner (P90)$82,709$92,498
Total Employed13014
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Duluth ($59,907) and Plymouth ($59,676) graphic designer salaries.DuluthPlymouthMedian Salary$59,907$59,676Entry Level (P10)$37,303$35,255Top Earner (P90)$82,709$92,498US Median $65,075

Verdict

Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Plymouth.

The salary gap between Duluth and Plymouth is $231 (0.39%). Duluth's median is -7.94% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $45,406,Plymouth spans $57,243. Plymouth has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Duluth
P10 (Entry)$37,303
P25$44,238
Median$59,907
P75$68,652
P90 (Top)$82,709
Plymouth
P10 (Entry)$35,255
P25$47,963
Median$59,676
P75$76,385
P90 (Top)$92,498

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($67,487 effective) pays 11.39% more than Plymouth ($60,585 effective).

Duluth
Nominal: $59,907
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $67,487
Plymouth
Nominal: $59,676
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $60,585

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Duluth if…

  • Higher median salary ($59,907/year)
  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,487)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Plymouth if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($92,498)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Duluth grew 58.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.9% growth in Plymouth over the same period.

Duluth, MN

+58.9%

$36,480 (2019) → $57,960 (2025)

Plymouth, MN

+-8.9%

$63,362 (2024) → $57,736 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Duluth or Plymouth?

Duluth has a higher median graphic designer salary at $59,907/year, compared to Plymouth at $59,676/year — a difference of $231 (0.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Plymouth?

Duluth graphic designers earn $28.80/hr while Plymouth hygienists earn $28.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Duluth to Plymouth as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Duluth and Plymouth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Duluth = $67,487, Plymouth = $60,585), job availability (130 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Duluth vs Plymouth?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $37,303 in Duluth and $35,255 in Plymouth. The Duluth 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