Lansing vs Mount Pleasant: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Lansing, MI and Mount Pleasant, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lansing, MI | Mount Pleasant, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,006▲ | $55,748 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.81▲ | $26.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,287▲ | $39,030 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,352▲ | $45,712 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,336▲ | $68,841 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,076 | $86,410▲ |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mount Pleasant.
The salary gap between Lansing and Mount Pleasant is $6,258 (11.23%). Lansing'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 Lansing spans $45,789,Mount Pleasant spans $47,380. Mount Pleasant 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, Lansing ($65,276 effective) pays 9.13% more than Mount Pleasant ($59,815 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,006/year)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,276)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Mount Pleasant if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,410)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Lansing grew 46.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.0% growth in Mount Pleasant over the same period.
Lansing, MI
$40,900 (2019) → $59,990 (2025)
Mount Pleasant, MI
$50,424 (2024) → $53,936 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lansing, MI
Mount Pleasant, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Lansing or Mount Pleasant?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Mount Pleasant?
Should I relocate from Lansing to Mount Pleasant as a graphic designer?
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Related Comparisons
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