Graphic Designer Pay

Grandview vs Kansas City: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Grandview, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Grandview, MO
$50,424
$24.24/hr
Kansas City, MO
$62,006
$29.81/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGrandview, MOKansas City, MO
Median Salary$50,424$62,006
Hourly Rate$24.24$29.81
Entry Level (P10)$31,922$42,481
25th Percentile$38,972$50,367
75th Percentile$64,543$78,088
Top Earner (P90)$78,158$100,559
Total Employed51,720
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Grandview ($50,424) and Kansas City ($62,006) graphic designer salaries.GrandviewKansas CityMedian Salary$50,424$62,006Entry Level (P10)$31,922$42,481Top Earner (P90)$78,158$100,559US Median $65,075

Verdict

Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grandview.

The salary gap between Grandview and Kansas City is $11,582 (22.97%). Kansas City's median is -4.72% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grandview spans $46,236,Kansas City spans $58,078. Kansas City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Grandview
P10 (Entry)$31,922
P25$38,972
Median$50,424
P75$64,543
P90 (Top)$78,158
Kansas City
P10 (Entry)$42,481
P25$50,367
Median$62,006
P75$78,088
P90 (Top)$100,559

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($67,002 effective) pays 19.06% more than Grandview ($56,277 effective).

Grandview
Nominal: $50,424
CoL Index: 89.6
Adjusted: $56,277
Kansas City
Nominal: $62,006
CoL Index: 92.543
Adjusted: $67,002

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Grandview if…

  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Choose Kansas City if…

  • Higher median salary ($62,006/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($100,559)
  • Larger job market (1,720 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,002)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Grandview grew 2.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Kansas City over the same period.

Grandview, MO

+2.5%

$47,599 (2024) → $48,785 (2025)

Kansas City, MO

+18.1%

$50,790 (2019) → $59,990 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Grandview or Kansas City?

Kansas City has a higher median graphic designer salary at $62,006/year, compared to Grandview at $50,424/year — a difference of $11,582 (22.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Grandview and Kansas City?

Grandview graphic designers earn $24.24/hr while Kansas City hygienists earn $29.81/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Grandview to Kansas City as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Grandview and Kansas City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Grandview = $56,277, Kansas City = $67,002), job availability (5 vs 1,720 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Grandview vs Kansas City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $31,922 in Grandview and $42,481 in Kansas City. The Kansas City 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