Graphic Designer Salary in Weirton, WV: $38,611 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Weirton, WV earns a median $38,611/year (≈ $18.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Weirton's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.5), that paycheck buys what $44,637 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the West Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Weirton, West Virginia, graphic designers will find a median annual salary of $38,611 in 2026, reflecting significant differences when compared to national figures. With a salary range from $24,824 at the 10th percentile to $59,848 at the 90th, these numbers highlight a challenging yet promising landscape for designers in the area. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations, point to inherent disparities between agency work and in-house corporate roles. Designers considering positions here should be aware that agency jobs often feature lower starting salaries but offer broader creative opportunities, while in-house positions typically provide steadier pay and benefits but may limit project scope.
About the Weirton Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,824 | $11.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30,024 | $14.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,611 | $18.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,596 | $22.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,848 | $28.78 |
Median Salary Position
40.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Weirton
In Weirton, WV, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,024 (2026 est.). At $38,611, the local median is 40.67% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Weirton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Weirton Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Weirton median: $38,611/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Weirton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Average | $40,729 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -40.67% less |
Graphic Designers in Weirton, WV earn a median of $38,611 per year (2026 est.), which is 40.67% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.20% below the West Virginia state average of $40,729.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Weirton has a cost of living 13.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Weirton, WV has a cost-of-living index of 86.5 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $38,611 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,637 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,918
2025 BLS Actual
$37,356
2026 Current Est.
$38,611
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Weirton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,918 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,672 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,490 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,407 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,953 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,427 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,356 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,611 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,908 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Weirton metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $30,918 (2019) to $37,356 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,908 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,990 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Weirton 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) | $24,824 – $30,024 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $30,024 – $38,611 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,611 – $47,596 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,596 – $59,848 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Weirton
The local job market is relatively small, with only four graphic designers employed in Weirton, which intensifies competition among professionals. The cost of living index stands at 86.5, meaning that despite lower graphic designer pay in Weirton, earnings go further than in many national markets. Employers in the region that tend to offer the highest compensation include those from corporate marketing teams within banks and consumer packaged goods sectors. The variation in salaries can also stem from specific design specialties, with motion graphics and brand identity commanding higher rates than general graphic design. To maximize pay in this market, designers should strengthen their portfolios, consider freelance work for higher per-project compensation, and target sectors that value specialized skills, ensuring they adapt their offerings to align with the needs of local businesses.
More salary data for Weirton, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $37,356 for graphic designersin the Weirton 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 Weirton 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