Graphic Designer Salary in Lackawanna, NY: $59,250 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Lackawanna, NY earns a median $59,250/year (≈ $28.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Lackawanna's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $51,122 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Lackawanna, New York, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $59,250, which is approximately 8.95% lower than the national median of $65,075. The salary range in this market spans from $41,876 at the 10th percentile to $91,837 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied opportunities and complexities in roles. Freelancing can offer competitive day rates, particularly for designers specializing in motion graphics or brand identity, which tend to draw higher fees. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments highlight the need for designers to navigate their career choices carefully, as in-house roles typically deliver steadier pay, while agency positions can provide broader experience and potentially greater rewards.
About the Lackawanna Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,876 | $20.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,823 | $23.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,250 | $28.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,537 | $36.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,837 | $44.16 |
Median Salary Position
8.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lackawanna
In Lackawanna, NY, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,961 (2026 est.). At $59,250, the local median is 8.95% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lackawanna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lackawanna Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Lackawanna median: $59,250/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lackawanna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $63,301 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -8.95% less |
Graphic Designers in Lackawanna, NY earn a median of $59,250 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.95% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 6.40% below the New York state average of $63,301.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lackawanna has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lackawanna, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,250 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,122 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,445
2025 BLS Actual
$57,324
2026 Current Est.
$59,250
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lackawanna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,445 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,602 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,171 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,799 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,637 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,946 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,324 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,250 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,241 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lackawanna metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $47,445 (2019) to $57,324 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,241 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,796 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lackawanna metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.36% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $41,876 – $48,823 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,823 – $59,250 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,250 – $75,537 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,537 – $91,837 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Lackawanna
The job market in Lackawanna currently employs five graphic designers, presenting both competition and opportunities for those entering the field. The area's cost of living index of 115.9 suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the financial flexibility can be impacted by local expenses. Within Lackawanna, companies in finance and consumer packaged goods often offer the highest salaries, making them attractive employers for designers seeking growth. The disparity between the lowest and highest salaries can be influenced by factors such as specialization, portfolio strength, and whether positions are in-house or freelance. For those aiming to maximize their earnings, focusing on building a diverse portfolio and harnessing the potential of unique design skills will be essential in a competitive market like Lackawanna, NY.
More salary data for Lackawanna, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $57,324 for graphic designersin the Lackawanna metropolitan area. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lackawanna is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov