Creative & Education Akron, OH Pop. 190,469

Graphic Designer Salary in Akron, Ohio

The median graphic designer salary in Akron, OH is $48,712 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$48,712
vs State Avg
$-3,479
vs National
$-9,278
Cost of Living
84%

Graphic Designer Pay in Akron: What to Expect (2026)

Akron offers a median graphic designer salary of $48,712, which is $3,479 below the Ohio state average of $52,191. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Akron pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Akron's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $48,712 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Akron an attractive option for graphic designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for graphic designers in Akron spans from $30,576 at the 10th percentile to $82,488 at the 90th percentile — a $51,912 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,920, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,920. With a population of 190,469, Akron is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Graphic Designer Salary in Akron by Experience

In Akron, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $31,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,920
$-6,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,920
$-14,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Akron, OH

Percentile Akron
10th Percentile $30,576
25th Percentile $38,136
Median (50th) $48,712
75th Percentile $62,664
90th Percentile $82,488

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$55,091
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$52,191
Pop. 309,317
Cleveland, OH
$49,871
Pop. 372,624
Toledo, OH
$47,552
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Akron

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Akron and the surrounding Ohio area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Akron may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Akron

Browse open graphic designer positions in Akron, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Akron

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Akron, OH? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Akron, Ohio is $48,712 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $30,576 (10th percentile) to $82,488 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Akron? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,712, a graphic designer in Akron earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Akron compare to the Ohio state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Akron's median graphic designer salary of $48,712 is 6.7% below the Ohio state average of $52,191. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Akron, OH? ▼
Akron has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $48,712 in Akron has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Akron? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Akron require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Color Theory. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.