Kansas City vs Maryland Heights: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Kansas City, MO and Maryland Heights, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | Maryland Heights, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,006▲ | $50,341 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.81▲ | $24.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,481▲ | $31,677 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,367▲ | $38,804 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,088▲ | $63,263 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,559▲ | $78,030 |
| Total Employed | 1,720▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Maryland Heights.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Maryland Heights is $11,665 (23.17%). 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 Kansas City spans $58,078,Maryland Heights spans $46,353. Kansas 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, Kansas City ($67,002 effective) pays 19.25% more than Maryland Heights ($56,184 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Maryland Heights if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Kansas City grew 18.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.5% growth in Maryland Heights over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$50,790 (2019) → $59,990 (2025)
Maryland Heights, MO
$47,520 (2024) → $48,705 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
Maryland Heights, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Kansas City or Maryland Heights?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Maryland Heights?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Maryland Heights as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Kansas City vs Maryland Heights?
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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