Salem vs Virginia Beach: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Salem, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,250 | $62,171▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.96 | $29.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,624 | $38,181▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,172▲ | $47,256 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,089 | $81,768▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,387 | $103,598▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 570▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Salem and Virginia Beach is $1,921 (3.19%). Virginia Beach's median is -4.46% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $56,763,Virginia Beach spans $65,417. Virginia Beach 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, Virginia Beach ($63,478 effective) pays 8.73% more than Salem ($58,382 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,171/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,598)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,478)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Salem grew -6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Salem, VA
$62,037 (2024) → $58,291 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$51,470 (2019) → $60,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Salem or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Salem to Virginia Beach as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Salem vs Virginia Beach?
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