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Graphic Designer Salary in Erie, PA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Erie's cost of living (index: 84). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Graphic Designer Salary in Erie β€” Key Numbers

$50,375
Median Salary
$36,851
25th Percentile
$68,594
75th Percentile
$90,023
90th Percentile
National median (Graphic Designer)$59,970
vs. National median-16.0%
Erie median household income$51,400
vs. City household income-2.0%

Cost of Living in Erie

Cost of Living Index
84(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$850/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio20.2%
Annual rent cost$10,200
Median Home Price$160,000
Home Price / Salary3.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$32,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.2 yrs

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

Job Market in Erie

5.0%
Unemployment Rate
270,000
Metro Population
21 min
Avg Commute
38.6
Median Age

Erie has a metro population of 270,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 5.0% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Erie, PA?

The estimated median salary for a Graphic Designer in Erie is $50,375 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $59,970 adjusted by Erie's cost of living index (84). The typical salary range runs from $36,851 (25th percentile) to $68,594 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $90,023.

Is Erie affordable for a Graphic Designer?

On a $50,375 annual salary, a Graphic Designer in Erie would spend approximately 20.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($850/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Erie relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $160,000 is 3.2Γ— the annual salary.

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

Erie's median household income is $51,400. A Graphic Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $50,375 earns 2.0% less than the typical Erie household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Erie has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

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.