Graphic Designer Pay

El Mirage vs Mesa: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between El Mirage, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

El Mirage, AZ
$57,854
$27.81/hr
Mesa, AZ
$60,780
$29.22/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEl Mirage, AZMesa, AZ
Median Salary$57,854$60,780
Hourly Rate$27.81$29.22
Entry Level (P10)$35,228$38,413
25th Percentile$47,207$47,354
75th Percentile$74,052$77,798
Top Earner (P90)$89,673$94,209
Total Employed898
Side-by-side bar chart comparing El Mirage ($57,854) and Mesa ($60,780) graphic designer salaries.El MirageMesaMedian Salary$57,854$60,780Entry Level (P10)$35,228$38,413Top Earner (P90)$89,673$94,209US Median $65,075

Verdict

Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Mirage.

The salary gap between El Mirage and Mesa is $2,926 (5.06%). Mesa's median is -6.60% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Mirage spans $54,445,Mesa spans $55,796. Mesa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

El Mirage
P10 (Entry)$35,228
P25$47,207
Median$57,854
P75$74,052
P90 (Top)$89,673
Mesa
P10 (Entry)$38,413
P25$47,354
Median$60,780
P75$77,798
P90 (Top)$94,209

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mesa ($61,706 effective) pays 5.06% more than El Mirage ($58,735 effective).

El Mirage
Nominal: $57,854
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $58,735
Mesa
Nominal: $60,780
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $61,706

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose El Mirage if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Mesa if…

  • Higher median salary ($60,780/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($94,209)
  • Larger job market (98 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,706)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in El Mirage grew 1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.2% growth in Mesa over the same period.

El Mirage, AZ

+1.0%

$55,392 (2024) → $55,973 (2025)

Mesa, AZ

+-4.2%

$61,402 (2024) → $58,804 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: El Mirage or Mesa?

Mesa has a higher median graphic designer salary at $60,780/year, compared to El Mirage at $57,854/year — a difference of $2,926 (5.06%).

What is the hourly rate difference between El Mirage and Mesa?

El Mirage graphic designers earn $27.81/hr while Mesa hygienists earn $29.22/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from El Mirage to Mesa as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing El Mirage and Mesa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: El Mirage = $58,735, Mesa = $61,706), job availability (8 vs 98 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in El Mirage vs Mesa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $35,228 in El Mirage and $38,413 in Mesa. The Mesa 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