St. Louis vs Jefferson City: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between St. Louis, MO and Jefferson City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Jefferson City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,050▲ | $49,882 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.32▲ | $23.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,272▲ | $37,974 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,254▲ | $46,161 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,132▲ | $62,564 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,722▲ | $77,148 |
| Total Employed | 2,010▲ | 110 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jefferson City.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Jefferson City is $13,168 (26.40%). St. Louis's median is -3.11% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $50,450,Jefferson City spans $39,174. St. Louis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Louis ($66,307 effective) pays 16.94% more than Jefferson City ($56,700 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,050/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,722)
- ✓Larger job market (2,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,307)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Jefferson City if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in St. Louis grew 12.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.8% growth in Jefferson City over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$54,190 (2019) → $61,000 (2025)
Jefferson City, MO
$33,110 (2019) → $48,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Jefferson City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: St. Louis or Jefferson City?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Jefferson City?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Jefferson City as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in St. Louis vs Jefferson City?
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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