Graphic Designer salary in Columbus, OH
Graphic Designers in the Columbus, OH metro area earn a median of $64,000 a year ($30.77 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,470 workers.
Pay ranges from $42,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,710 for the top 10%. That is 2% higher than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 7% higher than the Ohio statewide median of $60,080. There are 1.3 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $70,330, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Columbus, OH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $42,430 | $20.40 |
| 25th percentile | $51,150 | $24.59 |
| Median | $64,000 | $30.77 |
| 75th percentile | $83,240 | $40.02 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $102,710 | $49.38 |
| Average (mean) | $70,330 | $33.81 |
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 | $5,333.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,666.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,461.54 |
| Weekly | $1,230.77 |
| Hourly | $30.77 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $62,260 | 1,730 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $61,030 | 480 |
| Cleveland, OH | $59,780 | 1,430 |
| 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 Columbus, OH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,370 | $19.41 |
| Interior Designer | $62,180 | $29.89 |
| Floral Designer | $39,260 | $18.88 |
| Art Director | $101,990 | $49.03 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $77,640 | $37.33 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $59,550 | $28.63 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $34,870 | $16.76 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $84,860 | $40.80 |
| Designers, All Other | $38,430 | $18.48 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $48,490 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $73,280 | $35.23 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $55,380 | $26.62 |
| Producers and Directors | $76,930 | $36.99 |
| Editor | $77,810 | $37.41 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Columbus, 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 Columbus, OH?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Columbus, OH metro area is $64,000 a year, or $30.77 an hour. Pay ranges from $42,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,710 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Columbus, OH?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Columbus, OH metro area earn at least $102,710 a year. The top 25% earn $83,240 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Columbus, OH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $42,430 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $51,150 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Columbus, OH?
About 1,470 graphic designers are employed in the Columbus, OH metro area, not counting the self-employed.