Graphic Designer Salary in Kettering, OH: $62,230 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Kettering, OH earns a median $62,230/year (≈ $29.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Kettering's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $68,611 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.2% above the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Kettering, Ohio, can expect a median annual salary of $62,230 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $65,075. The local pay range is quite broad, extending from $40,181 at the lower end to $96,457 for top earners. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, reflecting the unique market environment of Kettering. As designers weigh their career options in Kettering, the decision between working in-house for corporate entities or joining an agency can significantly impact their earnings. Generally, in-house positions offer more stability and benefits, while roles in agencies may lead to broader project experiences and higher earning potential for those who excel in their crafts.
About the Kettering Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,181 | $19.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,036 | $23.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,230 | $29.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,654 | $38.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,457 | $46.38 |
Median Salary Position
4.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kettering
In Kettering, OH, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,276 (2026 est.). At $62,230, the local median is 4.37% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kettering: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kettering Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Kettering median: $62,230/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kettering Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $56,987 | +9.20% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -4.37% less |
Graphic Designers in Kettering, OH earn a median of $62,230 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.37% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 9.20% above the Ohio state average of $56,987.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kettering 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.
Kettering, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $62,230 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,611 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,831
2025 BLS Actual
$60,207
2026 Current Est.
$62,230
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Kettering (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,046 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,493 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,454 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,334 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,207 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,230 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,321 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kettering metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $49,831 (2019) to $60,207 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,321 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,490 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kettering 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) | $40,181 – $49,036 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,036 – $62,230 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,230 – $79,654 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,654 – $96,457 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Kettering
Analyzing the job market, Kettering employs about 10 graphic designers, a relatively modest number that contributes to its competitive landscape. The cost of living index stands at 90.7, indicating that while salaries may be lower than the national average, designers in Kettering can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle more easily. In terms of pay differentiation, in-house corporate marketing teams, especially in sectors like consumer packaged goods (CPG) and finance, tend to offer higher salaries compared to advertising agencies or smaller design firms. Factors driving the pay gap include the specialization in lucrative areas like motion graphics or brand identity, which are highly sought after in a saturated market. To maximize their compensation, graphic designers in Kettering can focus on enhancing their portfolios, considering freelance work for higher project rates, or seeking roles that align with their specific expertise in the field.
More salary data for Kettering, 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 $60,207 for graphic designersin the Kettering 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 Kettering 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