How does a Graphic Designer's salary in Utica compare to the rest of New York?

Utica's cost of living index is 80 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Graphic Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $47,976 earns $3,376 more than the median household income in Utica ($44,600).

Graphic Designer Salary in Utica, NY — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Utica's cost of living (index: 80). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Graphic Designer Salary in Utica — Key Numbers

$47,976

Median Salary

$35,096

25th Percentile

$65,328

75th Percentile

$85,736

90th Percentile

National median (Graphic Designer)$59,970

vs. National median-20.0%

Utica median household income$44,600

vs. City household income+7.6%

Cost of Living in Utica

Cost of Living Index

80(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$850/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio21.3%

Annual rent cost$10,200

Median Home Price$135,000

Home Price / Salary2.8×

20% Down Payment$27,000

Years to save (20% rate)2.8 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 Utica

5.0%

Unemployment Rate

145,000

Metro Population

21 min

Avg Commute

35.3

Median Age

Utica has a metro population of 145,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 5.0% unemployment rate is near the national average.

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Cost of Living — Utica

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Graphic Designer Salary in New York

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Utica

Physician$183,440 Chief Executive Officer$168,000 Dentist$140,408 IT Manager$135,608 Marketing Manager$126,096 Lawyer$116,608

Graphic Designer Salary — Other New York Cities

New York, NY$112,144 Buffalo, NY$52,774 Rochester, NY$51,574 Albany, NY$56,972 Poughkeepsie, NY$71,964

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Utica, NY?

The estimated median salary for a Graphic Designer in Utica is $47,976 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $59,970 adjusted by Utica's cost of living index (80). The typical salary range runs from $35,096 (25th percentile) to $65,328 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $85,736.

Is Utica affordable for a Graphic Designer?

On a $47,976 annual salary, a Graphic Designer in Utica would spend approximately 21.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($850/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Utica relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $135,000 is 2.8× the annual salary.

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

Utica's median household income is $44,600. A Graphic Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $47,976 earns 7.6% more than the typical Utica household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Graphic Designer — National Graphic Designer in New York 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.