Graphic Designer Salary in Barberton, OH: $54,123 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Barberton, OH earns a median $54,123/year (≈ $26.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Barberton's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $59,673 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Barberton, graphic designers can expect a median annual salary of $54,123 in 2026, which is notably below the national figure of $65,075. The salary range for this role is projected between $35,570 at the tenth percentile and $83,891 at the ninetieth percentile, reflecting a diverse market for talent in the area. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected into 2026, indicate significant differences in compensation driven by structural choices; designers working in agencies may earn less initially but have greater opportunities for creative growth and varied projects, whereas in-house corporate designers generally enjoy steadier pay and more predictable benefits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for aspiring designers in Barberton, OH, especially considering local demand and the type of work settings available.
About the Barberton Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,570 | $17.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,796 | $20.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,123 | $26.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,019 | $33.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,891 | $40.33 |
Median Salary Position
16.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Barberton
In Barberton, OH, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,321 (2026 est.). At $54,123, the local median is 16.83% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Barberton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Barberton Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Barberton median: $54,123/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Barberton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $57,032 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -16.83% less |
Graphic Designers in Barberton, OH earn a median of $54,123 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.83% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.10% below the Ohio state average of $57,032.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Barberton has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Barberton, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $54,123 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,673 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,340
2025 BLS Actual
$52,364
2026 Current Est.
$54,123
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Barberton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,396 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,176 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,996 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,365 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,364 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,123 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,942 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Barberton metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $43,340 (2019) to $52,364 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,942 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,602 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barberton 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) | $35,570 – $42,796 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,796 – $54,123 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,123 – $69,019 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,019 – $83,891 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Barberton
Currently, the job market in Barberton supports six graphic designers, signifying a niche yet present demand within the region. The cost of living, indexed at 90.7, suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, purchasing power may actually be more favorable for residents relative to larger urban areas. Employers that tend to pay better include corporate marketing teams associated with banks or consumer packaged goods (CPG), which typically offer more competitive compensation compared to smaller advertising agencies. The spread in designer salaries can largely be attributed to specialty areas like motion graphics or brand identity, which command higher rates than general graphic design services. Additionally, seasoned designers who develop strong portfolios and network effectively can leverage their skills into higher-paying freelance opportunities, making strategic career choices vital for maximizing graphic designer pay in Barberton, OH.
More salary data for Barberton, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $52,364 for graphic designersin the Barberton 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 Barberton 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