Creative & Education Cleveland, OH Pop. 372,624

Graphic Designer Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

The median graphic designer salary in Cleveland, OH is $49,871 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$49,871
vs State Avg
$-2,320
vs National
$-8,119
Cost of Living
86%

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

Cleveland offers a median graphic designer salary of $49,871, which is $2,320 below the Ohio state average of $52,191. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $49,871 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for graphic designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for graphic designers in Cleveland spans from $31,304 at the 10th percentile to $84,452 at the 90th percentile — a $53,148 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Graphic Designer Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,680
$-5,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cleveland, OH

Percentile Cleveland
10th Percentile $31,304
25th Percentile $39,044
Median (50th) $49,871
75th Percentile $64,156
90th Percentile $84,452

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$55,091
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$52,191
Pop. 309,317
Akron, OH
$48,712
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$47,552
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Cleveland

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Cleveland 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 Cleveland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Cleveland

Browse open graphic designer positions in Cleveland, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Cleveland, OH? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Cleveland, Ohio is $49,871 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $31,304 (10th percentile) to $84,452 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Cleveland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,871, a graphic designer in Cleveland earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Cleveland's median graphic designer salary of $49,871 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $52,191. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼
Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $49,871 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Cleveland? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Cleveland 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.