Graphic Designer Pay

Oklahoma City vs Ponca City: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Ponca City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Oklahoma City, OK
$51,990
$25.00/hr
Ponca City, OK
$53,747
$25.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOklahoma City, OKPonca City, OK
Median Salary$51,990$53,747
Hourly Rate$25.00$25.84
Entry Level (P10)$28,228$37,321
25th Percentile$36,724$43,805
75th Percentile$66,647$68,066
Top Earner (P90)$81,954$83,308
Total Employed1,0804
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Oklahoma City ($51,990) and Ponca City ($53,747) graphic designer salaries.Oklahoma CityPonca CityMedian Salary$51,990$53,747Entry Level (P10)$28,228$37,321Top Earner (P90)$81,954$83,308US Median $65,075

Verdict

Ponca City, OK offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oklahoma City.

The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Ponca City is $1,757 (3.38%). Ponca City's median is -17.41% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $53,726,Ponca City spans $45,987. Oklahoma City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Oklahoma City
P10 (Entry)$28,228
P25$36,724
Median$51,990
P75$66,647
P90 (Top)$81,954
Ponca City
P10 (Entry)$37,321
P25$43,805
Median$53,747
P75$68,066
P90 (Top)$83,308

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Ponca City ($60,458 effective) pays 5.13% more than Oklahoma City ($57,506 effective).

Oklahoma City
Nominal: $51,990
CoL Index: 90.408
Adjusted: $57,506
Ponca City
Nominal: $53,747
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $60,458

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Oklahoma City if…

  • Larger job market (1,080 employed)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Ponca City if…

  • Higher median salary ($53,747/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($83,308)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,458)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Oklahoma City grew 21.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in Ponca City over the same period.

Oklahoma City, OK

+21.0%

$41,570 (2019) → $50,300 (2025)

Ponca City, OK

+31.2%

$39,645 (2024) → $52,000 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Oklahoma City or Ponca City?

Ponca City has a higher median graphic designer salary at $53,747/year, compared to Oklahoma City at $51,990/year — a difference of $1,757 (3.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Ponca City?

Oklahoma City graphic designers earn $25.00/hr while Ponca City hygienists earn $25.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Ponca City as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Oklahoma City and Ponca City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Oklahoma City = $57,506, Ponca City = $60,458), job availability (1,080 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Oklahoma City vs Ponca City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $28,228 in Oklahoma City and $37,321 in Ponca City. The Ponca City 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