Orlando vs Palm Bay: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Orlando, FL and Palm Bay, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Palm Bay, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,455 | $65,820▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.99 | $31.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,590▲ | $40,848 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,205 | $51,597▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,758 | $93,334▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,339 | $105,158▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,980▲ | 310 |
Verdict
Palm Bay, FL offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Orlando and Palm Bay is $1,365 (2.12%). Palm Bay's median is +1.14% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $58,749,Palm Bay spans $64,310. Palm Bay 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, Palm Bay ($65,817 effective) pays 3.56% more than Orlando ($63,554 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,980 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Palm Bay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,820/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,158)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,817)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Orlando grew 29.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 61.5% growth in Palm Bay over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$48,040 (2019) → $62,360 (2025)
Palm Bay, FL
$39,430 (2019) → $63,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Palm Bay, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Orlando or Palm Bay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Palm Bay?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Palm Bay as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Orlando vs Palm Bay?
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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