Graphic Designer Salary in Kentucky
Based on 2K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$52,960
$25.46/hr
vs National Average
$60,609
-12.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$33K – $82K
2K employed in Kentucky
The graphic designer salary in Kentucky has a median of $52,960 per year, with approximately 2,060 professionals working in the state. This figure sits 13% below the national average, reflecting regional differences in cost of living and market demand. Salaries in the field typically range from $32,620 to $81,690 annually, depending on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence graphic designer compensation in Kentucky, including years of experience, technical skill level, industry sector, and company size. Designers working in major metropolitan areas or specialized fields like motion graphics and user experience design tend to earn higher salaries. Educational background, portfolio quality, and freelance versus full-time employment status also play significant roles in determining earning potential within the state.
Salary Distribution — Graphic Designer in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $32,620 |
| 25th percentile | $42,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $52,960 |
| 75th percentile | $65,330 |
| 90th percentile | $81,690 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,130 |
| 2023 | $48,400 |
| 2024 | $50,330 |
| 2025 | $52,960 |
| 2026 (projected) | $55,727 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,130 | $53,507 |
| 2023 | $48,400 | $54,331 |
| 2024 | $50,330 | $57,115 |
| 2025 | $52,960 | $60,609 |
| 2026 (projected) | $55,727 | $63,776 |
Graphic Designer Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $42,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $52,960 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $65,330 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $81,690 |
Graphic Designer Salary in Other States
Related Graphic Designer Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Graphic Designer ($52,960 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Graphic Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in KY | $76,160 | +43.8% | $36.62/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in KY | $76,100 | +43.7% | $36.59/hr |
| Interior Designer in KY | $59,240 | +11.9% | $28.48/hr |
| Producer and Director in KY | $54,550 | +3.0% | $26.23/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in KY | $48,320 | -8.8% | $23.23/hr |
| Title Examiner in KY | $52,860 | -0.2% | $25.41/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in KY | $52,790 | -0.3% | $25.38/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in KY | $54,190 | +2.3% | $26.05/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in KY | $50,970 | -3.8% | $24.50/hr |
| Truck Driver in KY | $56,340 | +6.4% | $27.09/hr |
| Writer and Author in KY | $48,780 | -7.9% | $23.45/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in KY | $57,850 | +9.2% | $27.81/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for graphic designers in Kentucky is $52,960 per year, or $25 per hour. This is 12.6% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for graphic designers in Kentucky?
- Graphic designer salaries in Kentucky range from $32,620 at the low end to $81,690 at the high end, depending on experience and skill level.
How many graphic designers are employed in Kentucky?
- There are currently 2,060 graphic designers employed in Kentucky according to the latest employment data.
Is graphic design a well-paid job in Kentucky compared to the national average?
- Graphic design in Kentucky pays slightly below the national average, with Kentucky positions earning 12.6% less than the national median salary for this role.