Graphic Designer Salary in Huntington, WV: $40,745 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Huntington, WV earns a median $40,745/year (≈ $19.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Huntington's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 88.4), that paycheck buys what $46,080 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the West Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Huntington, West Virginia, the projected 2026 median annual salary for graphic designers stands at $40,745. This salary indicates a significant difference from the national median of $65,075, reflecting the unique economic landscape of this city. Graphic designer pay in Huntington WV ranges from $31,080 at the 10th percentile to $60,073 at the 90th, setting the stage for a diverse array of opportunities within the field. These figures are derived from comprehensive surveys conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), providing a solid foundation for understanding the local job market's dynamics. In Huntington, those specializing in motion graphics or brand identity often enjoy a premium, which can further enhance overall compensation.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,080 | $14.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,176 | $17.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,745 | $19.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,677 | $24.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,073 | $28.88 |
Median Salary Position
37.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Huntington
In Huntington, WV, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,993 (2026 est.). At $40,745, the local median is 37.39% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Huntington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Huntington Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Huntington median: $40,745/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Huntington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $65,075 | -37.39% less |
Graphic Designers in Huntington, WV earn a median of $40,745 per year (2026 est.), which is 37.39% lower than the national median of $65,075.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Huntington has a cost of living 11.58% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Huntington, WV has a cost-of-living index of 88.422 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $40,745 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,080 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.09% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,520
2025 BLS Actual
$39,420
2026 Current Est.
$40,745
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Huntington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,540 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,230 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,745 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,114 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Huntington metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 14.2% from $34,520 (2019) to $39,420 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,114 by 2027 — a total increase of $7,594 (22.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huntington 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) | $31,080 – $36,176 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,176 – $40,745 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,745 – $50,677 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,677 – $60,073 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Huntington
Analyzing the salary context, there's an active presence of approximately 80 graphic designers in the Huntington area, illustrating a competitive yet manageable job market. With a cost-of-living index of 88.422, graphic designers in Huntington find their take-home pay could stretch further compared to many larger cities. Employers in this locality often include banks, retail corporations, and advertising agencies, each with varying pay scales based on specialty and market tier. The range of compensation can be influenced by factors such as portfolio strength, the nature of the employer (in-house versus agency work), and whether one is freelancing or employed full-time. For those looking to maximize pay in this market, specializing in high-demand areas like motion graphics and building a robust portfolio are strategic moves. Additionally, targeting roles within established corporations or top-tier agencies may yield opportunities for higher compensation and career growth.
More salary data for Huntington, WV:
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 $39,420 for graphic designersin the Huntington 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