Average Graphic Designers Salary in State College, PA
The average salary for Graphic Designerss in State College, PA is $54,730. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in State College, PA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 51.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,150.
- Outlook: The current demand for Graphic Designerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader State College, PA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in State College, PA earns-20.1%below the national average.
$26.3
$1,053
$4,561
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Graphic Designers salaries in State College, PA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 51.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in State College, PA
The earning potential for Graphic Designerss in State College, PA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $32,900, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $74,150.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $32,900 | $15.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $41,048 | $19.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $49,640 | $23.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $68,413 | $32.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $74,150 | $35.6 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
In State College, PA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $54,730 to $54,730.
Job Market Context
60
Total Jobs
0.897
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
State College, PA has 0.65x the national average concentration of Graphic Designers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
60 people work as Graphic Designers in State College, PA.
Only 0.897 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Graphic Designers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Altoona, PA Graphic Designers Salary | $53,350↓ 3% | 35 mi |
| Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $53,390↓ 2% | 45 mi |
| Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $53,190↓ 3% | 45 mi |
| Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $49,720↓ 9% | 45 mi |
| Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $54,390↓ 1% | 45 mi |
Comparing salaries near State College, PA
Hiring Graphic Designerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in State College, PA?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in State College, PA is $54,730. This typically ranges from $32,900 for entry-level positions to $74,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in State College, PA is 20.1% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is State College, PA a good place for Graphic Designerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Graphic Designers salary in State College, PA is $54,730 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of State College, PA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is State College, PA a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
The Cost of Living Index in State College, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near State College, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Altoona, PA ($53,350) and Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the State College, PA area with a job density of 0.897 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Graphic Designers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in State College, PA