Philadelphia vs State College: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Philadelphia, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,210▲ | $60,300 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.35▲ | $28.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,109▲ | $40,166 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,631▲ | $50,016 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,063▲ | $69,375 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,572▲ | $80,424 |
| Total Employed | 3,360▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and State College is $4,910 (8.14%). Philadelphia's median is +0.21% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $59,463,State College spans $40,258. Philadelphia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Philadelphia ($63,586 effective) pays 2.03% more than State College ($62,318 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,210/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,572)
- ✓Larger job market (3,360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,586)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose State College if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Philadelphia grew 13.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 83.3% growth in State College over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$55,740 (2019) → $63,090 (2025)
State College, PA
$31,820 (2019) → $58,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
State College, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Philadelphia or State College?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and State College?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to State College as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Philadelphia vs State College?
Related Comparisons
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