Top Ten American Cities for Designers
1. Austin, Texas
- Average Salary: $54, 827
- Projected job growth and one of the lowest changes in unemployment rate since the recession.
- Recent explosion of high-tech entrepreneurism.
2. Newark, New Jersey
- Average Salary: $40, 000
- It's really close to New York City and a bargain to live in compared to Manhattan.
- Top pay in fashion design, graphic design, and art.
- Rich cultural heritage.
- Close to the center of things so there should be a lot of inspiration here.
3. Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Average Salary: $78, 353
- Bridgeport is a thriving multicultural city that is located on the water of Long Island Sound in the southern part of Connecticut.
- It's a great location to live and work.
- Ranks in the top five cities for median salaries for graphic designers.
4. San Antonio, Texas
- Average Salary: $46,203
- One of the most solid salary to cost of living ratios in the country.
- Economy thrives even when in recession.
- Job growth is increasing and there are plenty of opportunities in art and design sectors.
5. Salt Lake City, Utah
- Average Salary: $55, 064
- The cost of living is reasonable and the access to the outdoors is unparalleled.
- The tech industry is growing as well as the supports for the arts.
- It has better employment conditions than most large cities.
6. Los Angeles, California
- Average Salary: $56, 680
- The cost of living is higher, but the living expenses are going down and it's one of the best paid cities for artists and designers.
- This location is sunny and has inspiration for creativity.
7. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Average Salary: $43, 652
- Cost of living is lower than average.
- Ranked most recession-proof American city by Forbes magazine in 2008.
- Plenty of growth potential in art and design fields here.
8. Raleigh-Cary Metropolitan Area, North Carolina
- Average Salary: $57, 974
- One of the nation's top areas for overall growth.
- The cost of living is average.
- Becoming a preferred location for artists and designers in the South.
9. Washington D.C. Metro Area
- Average Salary: $81, 163
- Cost of living is really high, but this area pays more than any other state or district.
- It's full of art that will stimulate creativity.
- This city really appreciates its artists.
10. Seattle, Washington
- Average Salary: $61, 740
- Cost of living is a bit higher than average, but the community really supports the arts.
- Prominent corporate headquarters are here.