Graphic Designer Salary in Illinois
Based on 9K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$62,560
$30.08/hr
vs National Average
$60,609
+3.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $99K
9K employed in Illinois
Graphic Designer salary in Illinois averages $62,560 annually, positioning the state slightly above the national average at 3%. With approximately 8,960 graphic designers employed throughout Illinois, the field represents a stable career option. Salaries in the state range from $36,060 to $98,750, reflecting significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence graphic designer compensation in Illinois, including years of experience, portfolio quality, industry sector, and company size. Designers working in major metropolitan areas like Chicago typically command higher salaries than those in smaller cities. Additionally, expertise in specialized software, digital media, and emerging design technologies can lead to increased earning potential within the state's competitive market.
Salary Distribution — Graphic Designer in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,060 |
| 25th percentile | $47,530 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $62,560 |
| 75th percentile | $81,320 |
| 90th percentile | $98,750 |
Top-Paying Industries for Graphic Designer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Graphic Designers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Graphic Designers in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $100,350 | 130 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $78,930 | 5K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $78,530 | 9K |
| Finance and Insurance | $77,600 | 4K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $70,920 | 8K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Graphic Designer in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $56,330 |
| 2023 | $57,090 |
| 2024 | $60,010 |
| 2025 | $62,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,218 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $56,330 | $53,507 |
| 2023 | $57,090 | $54,331 |
| 2024 | $60,010 | $57,115 |
| 2025 | $62,560 | $60,609 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,218 | $63,184 |
Graphic Designer Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,530 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $62,560 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $81,320 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $98,750 |
Graphic Designer Salary in Other States
Related Graphic Designer Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Graphic Designer ($62,560 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Graphic Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in IL | $103,550 | +65.5% | $49.78/hr |
| Producer and Director in IL | $81,080 | +29.6% | $38.98/hr |
| Interior Designer in IL | $76,290 | +21.9% | $36.68/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in IL | $60,740 | -2.9% | $29.20/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in IL | $62,540 | -0.0% | $30.07/hr |
| School Counselor in IL | $62,420 | -0.2% | $30.01/hr |
| Librarian in IL | $62,700 | +0.2% | $30.14/hr |
| Paralegal in IL | $63,670 | +1.8% | $30.61/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in IL | $64,020 | +2.3% | $30.78/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in IL | $64,280 | +2.7% | $30.90/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in IL | $60,730 | -2.9% | $29.20/hr |
| Construction Laborer in IL | $60,690 | -3.0% | $29.18/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Illinois?
- Graphic designers in Illinois earn a median salary of $62,560 per year, or $30 per hour. This is 3.2% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for graphic designers in Illinois?
- Graphic designer salaries in Illinois range from $36,060 at the lower end to $98,750 at the upper end, reflecting differences in experience, skills, and specialization.
Is graphic design a well-paying career in Illinois?
- Yes, Illinois graphic designers earn above the national average at $62,560 median annually, and the field employs 8,960 professionals in the state.
How many graphic designers work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 8,960 graphic designers currently employed in Illinois, making it a substantial market for design professionals.