Graphic Designer Pay

Fort Wayne vs Granger: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Granger, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Fort Wayne, IN
$54,037
$25.98/hr
Granger, IN
$51,129
$24.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFort Wayne, INGranger, IN
Median Salary$54,037$51,129
Hourly Rate$25.98$24.58
Entry Level (P10)$39,670$34,425
25th Percentile$48,000$41,037
75th Percentile$67,494$65,445
Top Earner (P90)$86,523$79,250
Total Employed2707
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fort Wayne ($54,037) and Granger ($51,129) graphic designer salaries.Fort WayneGrangerMedian Salary$54,037$51,129Entry Level (P10)$39,670$34,425Top Earner (P90)$86,523$79,250US Median $65,075

Verdict

Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Granger.

The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Granger is $2,908 (5.69%). Fort Wayne's median is -16.96% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $46,853,Granger spans $44,825. Fort Wayne has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Fort Wayne
P10 (Entry)$39,670
P25$48,000
Median$54,037
P75$67,494
P90 (Top)$86,523
Granger
P10 (Entry)$34,425
P25$41,037
Median$51,129
P75$65,445
P90 (Top)$79,250

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Wayne ($58,373 effective) pays 4.24% more than Granger ($56,001 effective).

Fort Wayne
Nominal: $54,037
CoL Index: 92.572
Adjusted: $58,373
Granger
Nominal: $51,129
CoL Index: 91.3
Adjusted: $56,001

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Fort Wayne if…

  • Higher median salary ($54,037/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($86,523)
  • Larger job market (270 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,373)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose Granger if…

  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Fort Wayne grew 13.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Granger over the same period.

Fort Wayne, IN

+13.5%

$46,080 (2019) → $52,280 (2025)

Granger, IN

+8.7%

$45,527 (2024) → $49,467 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Fort Wayne or Granger?

Fort Wayne has a higher median graphic designer salary at $54,037/year, compared to Granger at $51,129/year — a difference of $2,908 (5.69%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Granger?

Fort Wayne graphic designers earn $25.98/hr while Granger hygienists earn $24.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Granger as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fort Wayne and Granger. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fort Wayne = $58,373, Granger = $56,001), job availability (270 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Fort Wayne vs Granger?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $39,670 in Fort Wayne and $34,425 in Granger. The Fort Wayne area offers higher starting salaries.
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