Springfield vs Wellesley: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Springfield, MA and Wellesley, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MA | Wellesley, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,902▲ | $65,063 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.69▲ | $31.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,026▲ | $42,820 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,944▲ | $51,491 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,897▲ | $83,280 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,339 | $100,847▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wellesley.
The salary gap between Springfield and Wellesley is $839 (1.29%). Springfield's median is +1.27% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $53,313,Wellesley spans $58,027. Wellesley 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, Springfield ($68,604 effective) pays 14.41% more than Wellesley ($59,966 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,902/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,604)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Wellesley if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,847)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Springfield grew 17.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -18.6% growth in Wellesley over the same period.
Springfield, MA
$54,070 (2019) → $63,760 (2025)
Wellesley, MA
$77,308 (2024) → $62,948 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MA
Wellesley, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Springfield or Wellesley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Wellesley?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Wellesley as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Springfield vs Wellesley?
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