Graphic Designer Pay

Marysville vs Seattle: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Marysville, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Marysville, WA
$70,585
$33.93/hr
Seattle, WA
$79,298
$38.13/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMarysville, WASeattle, WA
Median Salary$70,585$79,298
Hourly Rate$33.93$38.13
Entry Level (P10)$43,786$53,396
25th Percentile$54,115$63,194
75th Percentile$90,348$101,903
Top Earner (P90)$109,407$129,427
Total Employed162,710
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Marysville ($70,585) and Seattle ($79,298) graphic designer salaries.MarysvilleSeattleMedian Salary$70,585$79,298Entry Level (P10)$43,786$53,396Top Earner (P90)$109,407$129,427US Median $65,075

Verdict

Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marysville.

The salary gap between Marysville and Seattle is $8,713 (12.34%). Seattle's median is +21.86% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Marysville spans $65,621,Seattle spans $76,031. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Marysville
P10 (Entry)$43,786
P25$54,115
Median$70,585
P75$90,348
P90 (Top)$109,407
Seattle
P10 (Entry)$53,396
P25$63,194
Median$79,298
P75$101,903
P90 (Top)$129,427

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($71,354 effective) pays 8.57% more than Marysville ($65,722 effective).

Marysville
Nominal: $70,585
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $65,722
Seattle
Nominal: $79,298
CoL Index: 111.133
Adjusted: $71,354

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Marysville if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Seattle if…

  • Higher median salary ($79,298/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($129,427)
  • Larger job market (2,710 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,354)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Marysville grew -12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.6% growth in Seattle over the same period.

Marysville, WA

+-12.4%

$77,991 (2024) → $68,290 (2025)

Seattle, WA

+11.6%

$68,760 (2019) → $76,720 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Marysville or Seattle?

Seattle has a higher median graphic designer salary at $79,298/year, compared to Marysville at $70,585/year — a difference of $8,713 (12.34%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Marysville and Seattle?

Marysville graphic designers earn $33.93/hr while Seattle hygienists earn $38.13/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Marysville to Seattle as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Marysville and Seattle. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Marysville = $65,722, Seattle = $71,354), job availability (16 vs 2,710 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Marysville vs Seattle?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $43,786 in Marysville and $53,396 in Seattle. The Seattle 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