Graphic Designer Salary in Iowa
Based on 2K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$50,310
$24.19/hr
vs National Average
$60,609
-17.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $76K
2K employed in Iowa
Graphic Designer salary in Iowa averages $50,310 per year, with approximately 2,100 professionals currently employed in the state. However, this falls about 17% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries in Iowa for this role typically range from $36,970 to $75,510 annually, depending on individual circumstances and employer type.
Several factors influence graphic designer compensation in Iowa, including experience level, portfolio quality, industry specialization, and company size. Designers working for larger corporations or specialized agencies tend to earn toward the higher end of the range, while those in smaller markets or starting their careers may earn less. Geographic location within Iowa and the demand for specific design skills also play significant roles in determining individual salaries.
Salary Distribution — Graphic Designer in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,970 |
| 25th percentile | $44,610 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $50,310 |
| 75th percentile | $63,640 |
| 90th percentile | $75,510 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $45,620 |
| 2023 | $45,710 |
| 2024 | $47,560 |
| 2025 | $50,310 |
| 2026 (projected) | $53,219 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $45,620 | $53,507 |
| 2023 | $45,710 | $54,331 |
| 2024 | $47,560 | $57,115 |
| 2025 | $50,310 | $60,609 |
| 2026 (projected) | $53,219 | $64,114 |
Graphic Designer Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $44,610 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $50,310 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $63,640 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $75,510 |
Graphic Designer Salary in Other States
Related Graphic Designer Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Graphic Designer ($50,310 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Graphic Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in IA | $80,940 | +60.9% | $38.91/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in IA | $70,420 | +40.0% | $33.86/hr |
| Producer and Director in IA | $58,550 | +16.4% | $28.15/hr |
| Interior Designer in IA | $58,040 | +15.4% | $27.90/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in IA | $51,030 | +1.4% | $24.53/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in IA | $50,140 | -0.3% | $24.11/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in IA | $50,510 | +0.4% | $24.28/hr |
| Data Analyst in IA | $49,020 | -2.6% | $23.57/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in IA | $48,870 | -2.9% | $23.50/hr |
| Social Worker in IA | $48,530 | -3.5% | $23.33/hr |
| Construction Laborer in IA | $48,490 | -3.6% | $23.31/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in IA | $52,160 | +3.7% | $25.08/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Iowa?
- The median salary for graphic designers in Iowa is $50,310 per year, or $24 per hour. This is approximately 17% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for graphic designers in Iowa?
- Graphic designers in Iowa earn between $36,970 and $75,510 annually, depending on experience, skills, and employer. This wide range reflects differences in career level and specialization within the field.
How many graphic designers are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 2,100 graphic designers currently employed in Iowa, providing a reasonable job market for professionals in this field.
Is the graphic design salary in Iowa lower than the national average?
- Yes, Iowa's median graphic designer salary of $50,310 is 17% lower than the national average. Job seekers considering relocation should factor in this salary difference when comparing Iowa opportunities to other states.