Graphic Designer Salary in Elyria, OH: $55,076 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Elyria, OH earns a median $55,076/year (≈ $26.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Elyria's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $60,723 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elyria, Ohio, the projected median annual salary for graphic designers in 2026 is $55,076, which is notably lower than the national median of $65,075. The salary range in the city spans from $34,857 at the 10th percentile to $85,368 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant potential earnings disparity within the field. This data, derived from 2025 BLS state-level estimates and adjusted for regional pricing, reflects the local market's unique characteristics. Freelancers in Elyria often face competition from online platforms, impacting their day rates versus project rates, making it essential for designers to find a balance that maximizes their revenue while navigating this fluctuation in demand.
About the Elyria Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,857 | $16.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,701 | $20.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,076 | $26.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,498 | $33.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,368 | $41.04 |
Median Salary Position
15.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elyria
In Elyria, OH, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,511 (2026 est.). At $55,076, the local median is 15.37% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elyria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elyria Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Elyria median: $55,076/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elyria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $57,015 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -15.37% less |
Graphic Designers in Elyria, OH earn a median of $55,076 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.37% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.40% below the Ohio state average of $57,015.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elyria 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.
Elyria, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $55,076 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,723 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,103
2025 BLS Actual
$53,286
2026 Current Est.
$55,076
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Elyria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,103 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,178 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,918 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,858 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,199 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,286 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,076 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,927 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elyria metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $44,103 (2019) to $53,286 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,927 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,824 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elyria 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) | $34,857 – $42,701 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,701 – $55,076 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,076 – $70,498 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,498 – $85,368 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Elyria
With only 14 graphic designers currently employed in the area, Elyria's job market can be competitive but also offers opportunities for those willing to strategically position themselves. The local cost of living index stands at 90.7, which suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, designers can enjoy a relatively comfortable standard of living. Companies in sectors like consumer packaged goods and financial services tend to offer higher pay, often focusing on specialized roles such as motion graphics or brand identity. To enhance earning potential, designers should aim to build a strong portfolio, network effectively, and consider contract roles at top-tier agencies or in-house corporate teams where higher compensation is often available. Understanding local market dynamics will aid graphic designers in Elyria, OH, in determining how much they can realistically earn in this creative field.
More salary data for Elyria, OH:
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 $53,286 for graphic designersin the Elyria 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 Elyria 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