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Graphic Designer Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

Updated 2026-04-05BLS 2024 data — be the first to add a local report

Salary Distribution

BLS 2024
$50,975/ year

Median Graphic Designer in Cleveland, OH

$29,274
10th
$35,700
25th
$50,975
Median
$70,551
75th
$86,072
90th

Compensation Breakdown

BLS 2024
Base salary (median)
$50,975
Total compensation (est.)
$58,621
Bonus range
$2,100 – $9,960
Mean salary
$54,034

How This Compares

Cleveland, OH median
$50,975
Ohio median
$61,169-16.7%
National median
$59,970-15.0%

Cost of living in Cleveland is 15% below the national average. Salary of $50,975 here is equivalent to $59,971 nationally.

Salary by Experience

0-2 years
$36,702-28.0%
3-5 years
$46,387-9.0%
6-10 years
$57,092+12.0%
10+ years
$70,346+38.0%

Salary by Company Size

Startup (< 100 employees)
$44,858-12.0%
Mid-size (100–5,000)
$50,975
Enterprise (5,000+)
$60,151+18.0%

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Graphic Designer Salaries in Nearby Cities

Columbus, OH$53,373/yr
Cincinnati, OH$51,574/yr
Toledo, OH$59,970/yr
Akron, OH$59,970/yr
Dayton, OH$59,970/yr

Related Jobs in Cleveland

Content Writer$62,637/yr
Copywriter$62,637/yr
Photographer$34,145/yr
Video Editor$53,346/yr
Social Media Manager$117,921/yr

Quick Numbers

Hourly (40hr week)$25/hr
Monthly gross$4,248/mo
25th percentile$35,700/yr
75th percentile$70,551/yr

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Market Context

via FRED

Fed Funds Rate

Mar 2026

3.64%

Inflation (CPI)

year-over-year

2.4%+0.04

National Unemployment

Mar 2026

4.3%-0.10

Ohio Unemployment

Dec 2025

4.5%

Avg Hourly Earnings

all private workers

$37.38+$0.09

10yr Treasury

Apr 2026

4.31%

Source: St. Louis Fed (FRED). Updated daily.

Graphic Designer Salaries by City

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Graphic Designer salary in Cleveland?

The median Graphic Designer salary in Cleveland is $50,975 per year, with a range from $35,700 at the 25th percentile to $70,551 at the 75th percentile. Total compensation including bonuses typically runs higher — see the breakdown above for the full picture.

How does Graphic Designer pay in Cleveland compare to the national average?

Graphic Designer salaries in Cleveland are 15% below the national median of $59,970. After adjusting for Cleveland's cost of living, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to roughly $59,971 nationally — which is the number that actually matters when comparing offers across cities.

What factors affect Graphic Designer salaries in Cleveland?

In Cleveland, the biggest drivers are years of experience, company size, and industry vertical. Entry-level Graphic Designer roles start around $29,274, while senior and staff-level positions at larger employers can reach $86,072 or above. Specialized skills and in-demand tools can also meaningfully shift where you land in the range.

Is Cleveland a good place for Graphic Designer jobs?

Cleveland offers a Graphic Designer median of $50,975, which is 15% below the US median of $59,970. Whether that makes it a good market depends on your personal cost-of-living equation — Cleveland is 15% cheaper than the national average, so factor that into your math.

How do I negotiate a higher Graphic Designer salary?

Start with the data on this page: the 75th percentile for Graphic Designer in Cleveland is $70,551, which is a defensible anchor for a negotiation. Come in with a specific number backed by real market data — not a range — and reference your experience tier. If you're above the median, ask for the 75th percentile. If you're already at the 75th, push for total comp improvements like equity or bonus instead.