Lexington Park vs Wheaton: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Lexington Park, MD and Wheaton, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington Park, MD | Wheaton, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,840 | $71,117▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.58 | $34.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,703 | $43,188▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,011 | $53,772▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $93,262▲ | $91,029 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,910 | $110,231▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Wheaton, MD offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington Park.
The salary gap between Lexington Park and Wheaton is $1,277 (1.83%). Wheaton's median is +9.28% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington Park spans $64,207,Wheaton spans $67,043. Wheaton 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, Lexington Park ($69,313 effective) pays 6.53% more than Wheaton ($65,066 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington Park if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,313)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,117/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,231)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Lexington Park grew 7.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.1% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Lexington Park, MD
$63,130 (2024) → $67,570 (2025)
Wheaton, MD
$71,035 (2024) → $68,805 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington Park, MD
Wheaton, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Lexington Park or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington Park and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Lexington Park to Wheaton as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Lexington Park vs Wheaton?
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