Creative & Education Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Graphic Designer Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median graphic designer salary in Erie, PA is $48,712 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$48,712
vs State Avg
$-6,958
vs National
$-9,278
Cost of Living
84%

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

Erie offers a median graphic designer salary of $48,712, which is $6,958 below the Pennsylvania state average of $55,670. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie'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 Erie an attractive option for graphic designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for graphic designers in Erie 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. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Graphic Designer Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, 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 Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
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 Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$59,150
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$54,511
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$53,931
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$51,031
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Erie

Education

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

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Erie

Browse open graphic designer positions in Erie, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Erie

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Erie, Pennsylvania 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 Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,712, a graphic designer in Erie earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Erie's median graphic designer salary of $48,712 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $55,670. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $48,712 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Erie? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Erie 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.