Garden City vs Lawrence: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Garden City, KS and Lawrence, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Garden City, KS | Lawrence, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,625▲ | $56,114 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.19▲ | $26.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,779▲ | $37,199 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,849 | $46,708▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,039▲ | $63,949 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,868▲ | $81,334 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Garden City, KS offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Garden City and Lawrence is $2,511 (4.47%). Garden City's median is -9.91% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garden City spans $53,089,Lawrence spans $44,135. Garden City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Garden City ($64,494 effective) pays 3.72% more than Lawrence ($62,181 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Garden City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,625/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,868)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,494)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Garden City grew 21.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.3% growth in Lawrence over the same period.
Garden City, KS
$46,845 (2024) → $56,719 (2025)
Lawrence, KS
$47,490 (2019) → $54,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Garden City, KS
Lawrence, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Garden City or Lawrence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Garden City and Lawrence?
Should I relocate from Garden City to Lawrence as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Garden City vs Lawrence?
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