Graphic Designer Pay

Oshkosh vs West Allis: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Oshkosh, WI and West Allis, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Oshkosh, WI
$60,641
$29.16/hr
West Allis, WI
$61,301
$29.47/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOshkosh, WIWest Allis, WI
Median Salary$60,641$61,301
Hourly Rate$29.16$29.47
Entry Level (P10)$47,783$37,321
25th Percentile$51,401$46,421
75th Percentile$69,458$78,465
Top Earner (P90)$82,130$95,016
Total Employed28013
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Oshkosh ($60,641) and West Allis ($61,301) graphic designer salaries.OshkoshWest AllisMedian Salary$60,641$61,301Entry Level (P10)$47,783$37,321Top Earner (P90)$82,130$95,016US Median $65,075

Verdict

West Allis, WI offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oshkosh.

The salary gap between Oshkosh and West Allis is $660 (1.09%). West Allis's median is -5.80% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oshkosh spans $34,347,West Allis spans $57,695. West Allis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Oshkosh
P10 (Entry)$47,783
P25$51,401
Median$60,641
P75$69,458
P90 (Top)$82,130
West Allis
P10 (Entry)$37,321
P25$46,421
Median$61,301
P75$78,465
P90 (Top)$95,016

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, West Allis ($65,633 effective) pays 0.58% more than Oshkosh ($65,255 effective).

Oshkosh
Nominal: $60,641
CoL Index: 92.929
Adjusted: $65,255
West Allis
Nominal: $61,301
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $65,633

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Oshkosh if…

  • Larger job market (280 employed)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose West Allis if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,301/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($95,016)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,633)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Oshkosh grew 33.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in West Allis over the same period.

Oshkosh, WI

+33.9%

$43,810 (2019) → $58,670 (2025)

West Allis, WI

+15.4%

$51,412 (2024) → $59,308 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Oshkosh or West Allis?

West Allis has a higher median graphic designer salary at $61,301/year, compared to Oshkosh at $60,641/year — a difference of $660 (1.09%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Oshkosh and West Allis?

Oshkosh graphic designers earn $29.16/hr while West Allis hygienists earn $29.47/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Oshkosh to West Allis as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Oshkosh and West Allis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Oshkosh = $65,255, West Allis = $65,633), job availability (280 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Oshkosh vs West Allis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $47,783 in Oshkosh and $37,321 in West Allis. The Oshkosh 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