Hopkinsville vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Hopkinsville, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hopkinsville, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,889 | $59,267▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.50 | $28.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,176 | $33,716▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,214 | $47,422▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,071 | $76,393▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,778 | $91,804▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 820▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hopkinsville.
The salary gap between Hopkinsville and Louisville/Jefferson County is $10,378 (21.23%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -8.93% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hopkinsville spans $45,602,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $58,088. Louisville/Jefferson County has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville/Jefferson County ($63,677 effective) pays 16.31% more than Hopkinsville ($54,747 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hopkinsville if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,267/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,804)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,677)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Hopkinsville grew 13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.4% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Hopkinsville, KY
$41,769 (2024) → $47,300 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$42,350 (2019) → $57,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hopkinsville, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Hopkinsville or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hopkinsville and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Hopkinsville to Louisville/Jefferson County as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Hopkinsville vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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