Graphic Designer Pay

North Kingstown vs Providence: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between North Kingstown, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

North Kingstown, RI
$62,726
$30.16/hr
Providence, RI
$72,817
$35.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNorth Kingstown, RIProvidence, RI
Median Salary$62,726$72,817
Hourly Rate$30.16$35.01
Entry Level (P10)$42,184$48,765
25th Percentile$50,357$61,106
75th Percentile$80,289$92,662
Top Earner (P90)$97,226$111,195
Total Employed4970
Side-by-side bar chart comparing North Kingstown ($62,726) and Providence ($72,817) graphic designer salaries.North KingstownProvidenceMedian Salary$62,726$72,817Entry Level (P10)$42,184$48,765Top Earner (P90)$97,226$111,195US Median $65,075

Verdict

Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to North Kingstown.

The salary gap between North Kingstown and Providence is $10,091 (16.09%). Providence's median is +11.90% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in North Kingstown spans $55,042,Providence spans $62,430. Providence has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

North Kingstown
P10 (Entry)$42,184
P25$50,357
Median$62,726
P75$80,289
P90 (Top)$97,226
Providence
P10 (Entry)$48,765
P25$61,106
Median$72,817
P75$92,662
P90 (Top)$111,195

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Providence ($71,548 effective) pays 14.64% more than North Kingstown ($62,414 effective).

North Kingstown
Nominal: $62,726
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $62,414
Providence
Nominal: $72,817
CoL Index: 101.773
Adjusted: $71,548

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose North Kingstown if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Providence if…

  • Higher median salary ($72,817/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($111,195)
  • Larger job market (970 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,548)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in North Kingstown grew 8.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Providence over the same period.

North Kingstown, RI

+8.6%

$55,906 (2024) → $60,687 (2025)

Providence, RI

+18.1%

$59,650 (2019) → $70,450 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: North Kingstown or Providence?

Providence has a higher median graphic designer salary at $72,817/year, compared to North Kingstown at $62,726/year — a difference of $10,091 (16.09%).

What is the hourly rate difference between North Kingstown and Providence?

North Kingstown graphic designers earn $30.16/hr while Providence hygienists earn $35.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from North Kingstown to Providence as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing North Kingstown and Providence. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: North Kingstown = $62,414, Providence = $71,548), job availability (4 vs 970 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in North Kingstown vs Providence?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $42,184 in North Kingstown and $48,765 in Providence. The Providence area offers higher starting salaries.
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