Graphic Designer Pay

Warwick vs Westerly: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Warwick, RI and Westerly, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Warwick, RI
$74,294
$35.72/hr
Westerly, RI
$61,076
$29.36/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricWarwick, RIWesterly, RI
Median Salary$74,294$61,076
Hourly Rate$35.72$29.36
Entry Level (P10)$46,040$42,877
25th Percentile$57,094$50,166
75th Percentile$95,096$75,477
Top Earner (P90)$115,155$94,668
Total Employed165
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Warwick ($74,294) and Westerly ($61,076) graphic designer salaries.WarwickWesterlyMedian Salary$74,294$61,076Entry Level (P10)$46,040$42,877Top Earner (P90)$115,155$94,668US Median $65,075

Verdict

Warwick, RI offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Westerly.

The salary gap between Warwick and Westerly is $13,218 (21.64%). Warwick's median is +14.17% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Warwick spans $69,115,Westerly spans $51,791. Warwick has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Warwick
P10 (Entry)$46,040
P25$57,094
Median$74,294
P75$95,096
P90 (Top)$115,155
Westerly
P10 (Entry)$42,877
P25$50,166
Median$61,076
P75$75,477
P90 (Top)$94,668

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Warwick ($73,924 effective) pays 21.64% more than Westerly ($60,772 effective).

Warwick
Nominal: $74,294
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $73,924
Westerly
Nominal: $61,076
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $60,772

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Warwick if…

  • Higher median salary ($74,294/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($115,155)
  • Larger job market (16 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,924)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Westerly if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Warwick grew 22.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.6% growth in Westerly over the same period.

Warwick, RI

+22.1%

$58,877 (2024) → $71,879 (2025)

Westerly, RI

+8.6%

$54,435 (2024) → $59,091 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Warwick or Westerly?

Warwick has a higher median graphic designer salary at $74,294/year, compared to Westerly at $61,076/year — a difference of $13,218 (21.64%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Warwick and Westerly?

Warwick graphic designers earn $35.72/hr while Westerly hygienists earn $29.36/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Warwick to Westerly as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Warwick and Westerly. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Warwick = $73,924, Westerly = $60,772), job availability (16 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Warwick vs Westerly?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $46,040 in Warwick and $42,877 in Westerly. The Warwick 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