How does a Graphic Designer's salary in Dayton compare to the rest of Ohio?

Dayton's cost of living index is 83 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Graphic Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $49,775 earns $4,825 less than the median household income in Dayton ($54,600).

Graphic Designer Salary in Dayton, OH — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Dayton's cost of living (index: 83). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Graphic Designer Salary in Dayton — Key Numbers

$49,775

Median Salary

$36,412

25th Percentile

$67,778

75th Percentile

$88,951

90th Percentile

National median (Graphic Designer)$59,970

vs. National median-17.0%

Dayton median household income$54,600

vs. City household income-8.8%

Cost of Living in Dayton

Cost of Living Index

83(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$875/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio21.1%

Annual rent cost$10,500

Median Home Price$170,000

Home Price / Salary3.4×

20% Down Payment$34,000

Years to save (20% rate)3.4 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Dayton

4.7%

Unemployment Rate

820,000

Metro Population

22 min

Avg Commute

36.4

Median Age

Dayton has a metro population of 820,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.7% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Dayton

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Cost of Living — Dayton

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Graphic Designer Salary in Ohio

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Dayton

Physician$190,319 Chief Executive Officer$174,300 Dentist$145,673 IT Manager$140,693 Marketing Manager$130,825 Lawyer$120,981

Graphic Designer Salary — Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH$53,973 Cleveland, OH$50,975 Cincinnati, OH$54,573 Akron, OH$49,775 Toledo, OH$47,976

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Dayton, OH?

The estimated median salary for a Graphic Designer in Dayton is $49,775 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $59,970 adjusted by Dayton's cost of living index (83). The typical salary range runs from $36,412 (25th percentile) to $67,778 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $88,951.

Is Dayton affordable for a Graphic Designer?

On a $49,775 annual salary, a Graphic Designer in Dayton would spend approximately 21.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($875/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Dayton relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $170,000 is 3.4× the annual salary.

How does a Graphic Designer's salary compare to Dayton's overall income?

Dayton's median household income is $54,600. A Graphic Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $49,775 earns 8.8% less than the typical Dayton household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Dayton has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Explore More Salary Data

Graphic Designer — National Graphic Designer in Ohio All Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.