Graphic Designer Pay

Schererville vs South Bend: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Schererville, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Schererville, IN
$52,300
$25.15/hr
South Bend, IN
$53,096
$25.53/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSchererville, INSouth Bend, IN
Median Salary$52,300$53,096
Hourly Rate$25.15$25.53
Entry Level (P10)$32,854$38,109
25th Percentile$42,257$46,192
75th Percentile$65,684$63,721
Top Earner (P90)$81,065$80,404
Total Employed7160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Schererville ($52,300) and South Bend ($53,096) graphic designer salaries.ScherervilleSouth BendMedian Salary$52,300$53,096Entry Level (P10)$32,854$38,109Top Earner (P90)$81,065$80,404US Median $65,075

Verdict

South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Schererville.

The salary gap between Schererville and South Bend is $796 (1.52%). South Bend's median is -18.41% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Schererville spans $48,211,South Bend spans $42,295. Schererville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Schererville
P10 (Entry)$32,854
P25$42,257
Median$52,300
P75$65,684
P90 (Top)$81,065
South Bend
P10 (Entry)$38,109
P25$46,192
Median$53,096
P75$63,721
P90 (Top)$80,404

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Schererville ($57,284 effective) pays 0.18% more than South Bend ($57,180 effective).

Schererville
Nominal: $52,300
CoL Index: 91.3
Adjusted: $57,284
South Bend
Nominal: $53,096
CoL Index: 92.858
Adjusted: $57,180

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Schererville if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($81,065)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,284)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose South Bend if…

  • Higher median salary ($53,096/year)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Schererville grew 8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.4% growth in South Bend over the same period.

Schererville, IN

+8.7%

$46,569 (2024) → $50,600 (2025)

South Bend, IN

+17.4%

$43,770 (2019) → $51,370 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Schererville or South Bend?

South Bend has a higher median graphic designer salary at $53,096/year, compared to Schererville at $52,300/year — a difference of $796 (1.52%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Schererville and South Bend?

Schererville graphic designers earn $25.15/hr while South Bend hygienists earn $25.53/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Schererville to South Bend as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Schererville and South Bend. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Schererville = $57,284, South Bend = $57,180), job availability (7 vs 160 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Schererville vs South Bend?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $32,854 in Schererville and $38,109 in South Bend. The South Bend 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