Graphic Designer Pay

Savannah vs Smyrna: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Savannah, GA and Smyrna, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Savannah, GA
$58,667
$28.21/hr
Smyrna, GA
$51,945
$24.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSavannah, GASmyrna, GA
Median Salary$58,667$51,945
Hourly Rate$28.21$24.97
Entry Level (P10)$31,297$33,021
25th Percentile$44,031$40,383
75th Percentile$71,039$66,489
Top Earner (P90)$91,691$80,514
Total Employed1609
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Savannah ($58,667) and Smyrna ($51,945) graphic designer salaries.SavannahSmyrnaMedian Salary$58,667$51,945Entry Level (P10)$31,297$33,021Top Earner (P90)$91,691$80,514US Median $65,075

Verdict

Savannah, GA offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.

The salary gap between Savannah and Smyrna is $6,722 (12.94%). Savannah's median is -9.85% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Savannah spans $60,394,Smyrna spans $47,493. Savannah has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Savannah
P10 (Entry)$31,297
P25$44,031
Median$58,667
P75$71,039
P90 (Top)$91,691
Smyrna
P10 (Entry)$33,021
P25$40,383
Median$51,945
P75$66,489
P90 (Top)$80,514

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Savannah ($61,621 effective) pays 10.44% more than Smyrna ($55,795 effective).

Savannah
Nominal: $58,667
CoL Index: 95.206
Adjusted: $61,621
Smyrna
Nominal: $51,945
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $55,795

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Savannah if…

  • Higher median salary ($58,667/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($91,691)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,621)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Smyrna if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Savannah grew 23.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.1% growth in Smyrna over the same period.

Savannah, GA

+23.6%

$45,910 (2019) → $56,760 (2025)

Smyrna, GA

+-7.1%

$54,069 (2024) → $50,256 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Savannah or Smyrna?

Savannah has a higher median graphic designer salary at $58,667/year, compared to Smyrna at $51,945/year — a difference of $6,722 (12.94%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Savannah and Smyrna?

Savannah graphic designers earn $28.21/hr while Smyrna hygienists earn $24.97/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Savannah to Smyrna as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Savannah and Smyrna. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Savannah = $61,621, Smyrna = $55,795), job availability (160 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Savannah vs Smyrna?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $31,297 in Savannah and $33,021 in Smyrna. The Smyrna 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