Graphic Designer Pay

Gettysburg vs Philadelphia: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Gettysburg, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Gettysburg, PA
$62,078
$29.84/hr
Philadelphia, PA
$65,210
$31.35/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGettysburg, PAPhiladelphia, PA
Median Salary$62,078$65,210
Hourly Rate$29.84$31.35
Entry Level (P10)$39,328$46,109
25th Percentile$49,602$52,631
75th Percentile$96,166$84,063
Top Earner (P90)$107,835$105,572
Total Employed303,360
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gettysburg ($62,078) and Philadelphia ($65,210) graphic designer salaries.GettysburgPhiladelphiaMedian Salary$62,078$65,210Entry Level (P10)$39,328$46,109Top Earner (P90)$107,835$105,572US Median $65,075

Verdict

Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gettysburg.

The salary gap between Gettysburg and Philadelphia is $3,132 (5.05%). Philadelphia's median is +0.21% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gettysburg spans $68,507,Philadelphia spans $59,463. Gettysburg has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Gettysburg
P10 (Entry)$39,328
P25$49,602
Median$62,078
P75$96,166
P90 (Top)$107,835
Philadelphia
P10 (Entry)$46,109
P25$52,631
Median$65,210
P75$84,063
P90 (Top)$105,572

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Gettysburg ($65,086 effective) pays 2.36% more than Philadelphia ($63,586 effective).

Gettysburg
Nominal: $62,078
CoL Index: 95.379
Adjusted: $65,086
Philadelphia
Nominal: $65,210
CoL Index: 102.554
Adjusted: $63,586

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Gettysburg if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($107,835)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,086)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Philadelphia if…

  • Higher median salary ($65,210/year)
  • Larger job market (3,360 employed)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Gettysburg grew 24.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.

Gettysburg, PA

+24.3%

$48,310 (2019) → $60,060 (2025)

Philadelphia, PA

+13.2%

$55,740 (2019) → $63,090 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Gettysburg or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a higher median graphic designer salary at $65,210/year, compared to Gettysburg at $62,078/year — a difference of $3,132 (5.05%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gettysburg and Philadelphia?

Gettysburg graphic designers earn $29.84/hr while Philadelphia hygienists earn $31.35/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Gettysburg to Philadelphia as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gettysburg and Philadelphia. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gettysburg = $65,086, Philadelphia = $63,586), job availability (30 vs 3,360 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Gettysburg vs Philadelphia?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $39,328 in Gettysburg and $46,109 in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia 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