Graphic Designer salary in Cleveland, OH
Graphic Designers in the Cleveland, OH metro area earn a median of $59,780 a year ($28.74 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,430 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,800 for the lowest-paid 10% to $87,400 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is about the same as the Ohio statewide median of $60,080. There are 1.4 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $62,650, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Cleveland, OH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,800 | $19.14 |
| 25th percentile | $47,310 | $22.75 |
| Median | $59,780 | $28.74 |
| 75th percentile | $74,260 | $35.70 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $87,400 | $42.02 |
| Average (mean) | $62,650 | $30.12 |
Half of graphic designers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,981.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,490.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,299.23 |
| Weekly | $1,149.62 |
| Hourly | $28.74 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Graphic Designer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | $64,000 | 1,470 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $62,260 | 1,730 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $61,030 | 480 |
| Akron, OH | $58,460 | 360 |
| Mansfield, OH | $56,990 | 50 |
| Lima, OH | $53,310 | 50 |
| Springfield, OH | $51,840 | 30 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $50,750 | 160 |
| Toledo, OH | $50,320 | 290 |
| Sandusky, OH | $48,440 | 40 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $47,170 | 130 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | $41,450 | 60 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $39,420 | 80 |
Highest-paying states for graphic designers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $87,920 |
| Rhode Island | $78,220 |
| New York | $77,340 |
| Massachusetts | $76,710 |
| California | $75,130 |
| Maryland | $75,120 |
| New Jersey | $73,790 |
| Washington | $72,710 |
| Connecticut | $72,700 |
| Virginia | $72,310 |
See Graphic Designer pay in every state or the Ohio statewide figures.
Related jobs in Cleveland, OH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $38,370 | $18.45 |
| Interior Designer | $62,380 | $29.99 |
| Floral Designer | $37,750 | $18.15 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $78,270 | $37.63 |
| Art Director | $95,420 | $45.87 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $27,560 | $13.25 |
| Craft Artist | $43,040 | $20.69 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $54,070 | $26.00 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $48,500 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $66,610 | $32.02 |
| Editor | $73,850 | $35.51 |
| Producers and Directors | $71,160 | $34.21 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $35.79 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $52,670 | $25.32 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Cleveland, OH
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-1024. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a graphic designer make in Cleveland, OH?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Cleveland, OH metro area is $59,780 a year, or $28.74 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,800 for the lowest-paid 10% to $87,400 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Cleveland, OH?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Cleveland, OH metro area earn at least $87,400 a year. The top 25% earn $74,260 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Cleveland, OH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,800 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $47,310 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Cleveland, OH?
About 1,430 graphic designers are employed in the Cleveland, OH metro area, not counting the self-employed.