Graphic Designer Salary in Altoona, PA: $52,228 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Altoona, PA earns a median $52,228/year (≈ $25.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Altoona's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.5), that paycheck buys what $58,351 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Altoona, Pennsylvania, the prospects for graphic designers are shaped significantly by the employment structure within the industry. With a median annual salary of $52,228, local designers earn considerably less than the national median of $65,075, indicating a pay gap of approximately 19.74%. The salary range for graphic designers in the area is quite variable, spanning from $36,931 at the 10th percentile to $79,318 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse market influenced by the choice between in-house corporate positions and agency work. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys projected to 2026, highlights the distinct differences in compensation that can arise from working at various types of employers, demonstrating that an individual's career path can greatly affect their earning potential in Altoona's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,931 | $17.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,468 | $21.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,228 | $25.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,316 | $29.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,318 | $38.14 |
Median Salary Position
19.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Altoona
In Altoona, PA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,387 (2026 est.). At $52,228, the local median is 19.74% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Altoona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Altoona Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Altoona median: $52,228/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Altoona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $56,831 | -8.10% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -19.74% less |
Graphic Designers in Altoona, PA earn a median of $52,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.74% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 8.10% below the Pennsylvania state average of $56,831.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Altoona has a cost of living 10.49% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Altoona, PA has a cost-of-living index of 89.507 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $52,228 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,351 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.72% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,540
2025 BLS Actual
$50,530
2026 Current Est.
$52,228
2019–2027 Growth
+65.9%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Altoona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,300 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,228 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,983 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Altoona metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 55.3% from $32,540 (2019) to $50,530 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,983 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,443 (65.90%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Altoona 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) | $36,931 – $45,468 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,468 – $52,228 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,228 – $62,316 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,316 – $79,318 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Altoona
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently around 50 graphic designers employed in Altoona, with a cost-of-living index of 89.507, which suggests that living expenses are below the national average. This lower cost of living may help stretch earnings further, and it could be particularly appealing for those considering in-house roles at corporate marketing teams, such as banks and retailers. These positions tend to offer steadier pay and benefits. However, the upper tier of compensation often lies within advertising agencies and specialized firms, where salaries can rise due to demand for specific skills like motion graphics or brand identity development. Freelancing, while offering flexible project options, often results in a more commoditized work experience at entry-level rates. To maximize earnings, designers should focus on enhancing their portfolios, aiming for specialty work and pursuing roles in higher-paying sectors, effectively capitalizing on the growth rate of 3.36% projected for the industry.
More salary data for Altoona, PA:
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 $50,530 for graphic designersin the Altoona 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