Graphic Designer Salary in Morgantown, WV: $41,819 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Morgantown, WV earns a median $41,819/year (≈ $20.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Morgantown's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.3), that paycheck buys what $44,811 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the West Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual graphic designer salary in Morgantown, West Virginia, is set at $41,819. This figure reflects a significant gap compared to the national median of $65,075, indicating the unique economic landscape in this region. The salary range for graphic designers in Morgantown spans from $31,339 at the 10th percentile to $59,690 at the 90th percentile. These insights are derived from data based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, illustrating both entry-level and experienced designer opportunities within the city. Specialties like motion graphics and brand identity can command higher pay rates, enhancing the earnings potential for designers focusing on these areas.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,339 | $15.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,024 | $17.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,819 | $20.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,657 | $24.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,690 | $28.70 |
Median Salary Position
35.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Morgantown
In Morgantown, WV, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,351 (2026 est.). At $41,819, the local median is 35.74% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Morgantown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Morgantown Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Morgantown median: $41,819/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Morgantown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Average | $40,760 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -35.74% less |
Graphic Designers in Morgantown, WV earn a median of $41,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.74% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.60% above the West Virginia state average of $40,760.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Morgantown has a cost of living 6.68% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Morgantown, WV has a cost-of-living index of 93.323 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $41,819 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,811 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.15% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,150
2025 BLS Actual
$40,460
2026 Current Est.
$41,819
2019–2027 Growth
+-6.3%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Morgantown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,460 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,819 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,225 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Morgantown metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew -12.3% from $46,150 (2019) to $40,460 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,225 by 2027 — a total increase of $-2,925 (-6.34%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Morgantown 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) | $31,339 – $37,024 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,024 – $41,819 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,819 – $50,657 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,657 – $59,690 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Morgantown
With around 60 graphic designers currently employed in Morgantown, the job market offers a modest yet stable environment for creative professionals. The cost of living index, set at 93.323, indicates that while salaries may be lower than the national average, residents enjoy a more affordable lifestyle, which impacts take-home purchasing power positively. Employers that tend to pay the highest salaries include corporate marketing teams within banks and consumer goods firms, as well as established advertising agencies. The disparity in compensation often stems from specialization; motion graphics and brand identity positions generally pay more than general graphic design roles. Developing a strong portfolio and considering both freelance options and in-house versus agency roles can also significantly boost earnings. For those in Morgantown aiming to maximize their graphic designer pay, pursuing specialized skills and leveraging high-quality project opportunities will be essential.
More salary data for Morgantown, 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 $40,460 for graphic designersin the Morgantown 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