Graphic Designer Pay

Perth Amboy vs Trenton: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Perth Amboy, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Perth Amboy, NJ
$73,431
$35.31/hr
Trenton, NJ
$74,161
$35.65/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPerth Amboy, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$73,431$74,161
Hourly Rate$35.31$35.65
Entry Level (P10)$48,052$50,305
25th Percentile$58,116$62,006
75th Percentile$93,991$89,799
Top Earner (P90)$113,818$105,758
Total Employed13250
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Perth Amboy ($73,431) and Trenton ($74,161) graphic designer salaries.Perth AmboyTrentonMedian Salary$73,431$74,161Entry Level (P10)$48,052$50,305Top Earner (P90)$113,818$105,758US Median $65,075

Verdict

Trenton, NJ offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Perth Amboy.

The salary gap between Perth Amboy and Trenton is $730 (0.99%). Trenton's median is +13.96% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Perth Amboy spans $65,766,Trenton spans $55,453. Perth Amboy has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Perth Amboy
P10 (Entry)$48,052
P25$58,116
Median$73,431
P75$93,991
P90 (Top)$113,818
Trenton
P10 (Entry)$50,305
P25$62,006
Median$74,161
P75$89,799
P90 (Top)$105,758

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($71,875 effective) pays 12.76% more than Perth Amboy ($63,742 effective).

Perth Amboy
Nominal: $73,431
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $63,742
Trenton
Nominal: $74,161
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $71,875

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Perth Amboy if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($113,818)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Trenton if…

  • Higher median salary ($74,161/year)
  • Larger job market (250 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,875)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Perth Amboy grew -12.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.4% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Perth Amboy, NJ

+-12.6%

$81,244 (2024) → $71,044 (2025)

Trenton, NJ

+14.4%

$62,700 (2019) → $71,750 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Perth Amboy or Trenton?

Trenton has a higher median graphic designer salary at $74,161/year, compared to Perth Amboy at $73,431/year — a difference of $730 (0.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Perth Amboy and Trenton?

Perth Amboy graphic designers earn $35.31/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $35.65/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Perth Amboy to Trenton as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Perth Amboy and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Perth Amboy = $63,742, Trenton = $71,875), job availability (13 vs 250 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Perth Amboy vs Trenton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $48,052 in Perth Amboy and $50,305 in Trenton. The Trenton 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