Salt Lake City vs Provo: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Salt Lake City, UT and Provo, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Provo, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,649▲ | $64,300 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.52▲ | $30.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,636▲ | $40,424 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,995▲ | $52,248 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,101▲ | $81,406 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,120 | $106,306▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,380▲ | 660 |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Provo.
The salary gap between Salt Lake City and Provo is $3,349 (5.21%). Salt Lake City's median is +3.96% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salt Lake City spans $55,484,Provo spans $65,882. Provo 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, Salt Lake City ($67,067 effective) pays 2.46% more than Provo ($65,457 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,649/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,067)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Provo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,306)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Salt Lake City grew 34.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.0% growth in Provo over the same period.
Salt Lake City, UT
$48,760 (2019) → $65,450 (2025)
Provo, UT
$46,420 (2019) → $62,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Salt Lake City or Provo?
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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