Graphic Designer Pay

Duluth vs Woodbury: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

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

Duluth, MN
$59,907
$28.80/hr
Woodbury, MN
$61,094
$29.37/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDuluth, MNWoodbury, MN
Median Salary$59,907$61,094
Hourly Rate$28.80$29.37
Entry Level (P10)$37,303$38,415
25th Percentile$44,238$47,179
75th Percentile$68,652$78,200
Top Earner (P90)$82,709$94,695
Total Employed13018
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Duluth ($59,907) and Woodbury ($61,094) graphic designer salaries.DuluthWoodburyMedian Salary$59,907$61,094Entry Level (P10)$37,303$38,415Top Earner (P90)$82,709$94,695US Median $65,075

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Duluth and Woodbury is $1,187 (1.98%). Woodbury's median is -6.12% 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,Woodbury spans $56,280. Woodbury 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
Woodbury
P10 (Entry)$38,415
P25$47,179
Median$61,094
P75$78,200
P90 (Top)$94,695

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($67,487 effective) pays 8.81% more than Woodbury ($62,024 effective).

Duluth
Nominal: $59,907
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $67,487
Woodbury
Nominal: $61,094
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $62,024

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Duluth if…

  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,487)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Woodbury if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,094/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($94,695)
  • 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 Woodbury over the same period.

Duluth, MN

+58.9%

$36,480 (2019) → $57,960 (2025)

Woodbury, MN

+-8.9%

$64,868 (2024) → $59,108 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Duluth or Woodbury?

Woodbury has a higher median graphic designer salary at $61,094/year, compared to Duluth at $59,907/year — a difference of $1,187 (1.98%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Woodbury?

Duluth graphic designers earn $28.80/hr while Woodbury hygienists earn $29.37/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Duluth and Woodbury. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Duluth = $67,487, Woodbury = $62,024), job availability (130 vs 18 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $37,303 in Duluth and $38,415 in Woodbury. The Woodbury 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