Graphic Designer Salary in Lima, OH: $55,101 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Lima, OH earns a median $55,101/year (≈ $26.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Lima's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.7), that paycheck buys what $61,449 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
While the choice between agency and in-house positions significantly affects graphic designer salaries in Lima, the 2026 median salary is projected at $55,101, which is notably lower than the national median of $65,075. Salaries for graphic designers in this region range from $39,029 at the 10th percentile to $78,450 at the 90th percentile. This data comes from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, illustrating a somewhat modest pay scale compared to larger markets. Lima's job market shows potential for designers, but the income reflects the area's economic conditions and industry demands.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,029 | $18.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,729 | $22.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,101 | $26.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,347 | $33.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,450 | $37.72 |
Median Salary Position
15.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lima
In Lima, OH, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,421 (2026 est.). At $55,101, the local median is 15.33% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lima: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lima Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Lima median: $55,101/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lima Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $56,982 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -15.33% less |
Graphic Designers in Lima, OH earn a median of $55,101 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.33% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.30% below the Ohio state average of $56,982.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lima has a cost of living 10.33% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lima, OH has a cost-of-living index of 89.669 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $55,101 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,449 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,540
2025 BLS Actual
$53,310
2026 Current Est.
$55,101
2019–2027 Growth
+80.6%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lima (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,101 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,953 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lima metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 69.0% from $31,540 (2019) to $53,310 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,953 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,413 (80.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lima 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) | $39,029 – $46,729 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,729 – $55,101 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,101 – $70,347 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,347 – $78,450 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Lima
With around 50 graphic designers currently employed in Lima, the local job market offers steady but limited opportunities. The cost of living index at 89.669 indicates that residents enjoy a relatively affordable lifestyle, which impacts overall take-home pay and purchasing power. In-house corporate positions, particularly in fast-moving sectors like consumer packaged goods and finance, generally yield higher salaries compared to advertising agencies. However, the disparity in pay can be driven by specialization, with those skilled in motion graphics or brand identity often commanding higher rates. Maximizing earning potential in Lima involves building a strong portfolio, networking with local agencies, and considering freelance opportunities that differentiate based on expertise—navigating the competitive yet commoditized space of graphic design work.
More salary data for Lima, 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 $53,310 for graphic designersin the Lima 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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