Graphic Designer Pay

Lake Stevens vs Olympia: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Lake Stevens, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lake Stevens, WA
$67,687
$32.54/hr
Olympia, WA
$69,985
$33.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLake Stevens, WAOlympia, WA
Median Salary$67,687$69,985
Hourly Rate$32.54$33.64
Entry Level (P10)$46,235$47,484
25th Percentile$55,026$58,347
75th Percentile$85,234$85,582
Top Earner (P90)$104,916$103,071
Total Employed9110
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lake Stevens ($67,687) and Olympia ($69,985) graphic designer salaries.Lake StevensOlympiaMedian Salary$67,687$69,985Entry Level (P10)$46,235$47,484Top Earner (P90)$104,916$103,071US Median $65,075

Verdict

Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Stevens.

The salary gap between Lake Stevens and Olympia is $2,298 (3.40%). Olympia's median is +7.55% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Stevens spans $58,681,Olympia spans $55,587. Lake Stevens has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lake Stevens
P10 (Entry)$46,235
P25$55,026
Median$67,687
P75$85,234
P90 (Top)$104,916
Olympia
P10 (Entry)$47,484
P25$58,347
Median$69,985
P75$85,582
P90 (Top)$103,071

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Olympia ($67,507 effective) pays 7.12% more than Lake Stevens ($63,023 effective).

Lake Stevens
Nominal: $67,687
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $63,023
Olympia
Nominal: $69,985
CoL Index: 103.67
Adjusted: $67,507

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lake Stevens if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($104,916)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Olympia if…

  • Higher median salary ($69,985/year)
  • Larger job market (110 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,507)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Lake Stevens grew -12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.3% growth in Olympia over the same period.

Lake Stevens, WA

+-12.4%

$74,789 (2024) → $65,487 (2025)

Olympia, WA

+25.3%

$54,030 (2019) → $67,710 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Lake Stevens or Olympia?

Olympia has a higher median graphic designer salary at $69,985/year, compared to Lake Stevens at $67,687/year — a difference of $2,298 (3.40%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Stevens and Olympia?

Lake Stevens graphic designers earn $32.54/hr while Olympia hygienists earn $33.64/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lake Stevens to Olympia as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lake Stevens and Olympia. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lake Stevens = $63,023, Olympia = $67,507), job availability (9 vs 110 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Lake Stevens vs Olympia?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $46,235 in Lake Stevens and $47,484 in Olympia. The Olympia 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