Graphic Designer Salary in Minnesota
Based on 6K+ workers in Minnesota
Median Annual Salary (MN)
$63,860
$30.70/hr
vs National Average
$60,609
+5.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$43K – $97K
6K employed in Minnesota
Graphic Designer salary in Minnesota averages $63,860 annually, which is 5% above the national average. The state currently employs approximately 5,570 graphic designers across various industries. Salaries in this field typically range from $42,690 to $96,960, reflecting differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Several factors influence graphic designer compensation in Minnesota. Experience level significantly impacts earnings, with senior designers commanding higher salaries than entry-level positions. Specialization in high-demand areas like UX/UI design or motion graphics can boost income. Additionally, working for larger corporations or agencies in urban centers like Minneapolis typically offers more competitive pay than smaller firms or freelance work.
Salary Distribution — Graphic Designer in Minnesota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,690 |
| 25th percentile | $51,570 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $63,860 |
| 75th percentile | $78,380 |
| 90th percentile | $96,960 |
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Minnesota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,440 |
| 2023 | $60,310 |
| 2024 | $58,590 |
| 2025 | $63,860 |
| 2026 (projected) | $67,692 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Minnesota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,440 | $53,507 |
| 2023 | $60,310 | $54,331 |
| 2024 | $58,590 | $57,115 |
| 2025 | $63,860 | $60,609 |
| 2026 (projected) | $67,692 | $64,246 |
Graphic Designer Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $51,570 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $63,860 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,380 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $96,960 |
Graphic Designer Salary in Other States
Related Graphic Designer Salaries in Minnesota
How other high-demand occupations in Minnesota compare to Graphic Designer ($63,860 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Graphic Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in MN | $109,700 | +71.8% | $52.74/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in MN | $94,370 | +47.8% | $45.37/hr |
| Producer and Director in MN | $76,360 | +19.6% | $36.71/hr |
| Interior Designer in MN | $73,270 | +14.7% | $35.23/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in MN | $53,800 | -15.8% | $25.87/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in MN | $63,750 | -0.2% | $30.65/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in MN | $63,630 | -0.4% | $30.59/hr |
| School Counselor in MN | $64,600 | +1.2% | $31.06/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in MN | $64,890 | +1.6% | $31.20/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in MN | $64,990 | +1.8% | $31.25/hr |
| Editor in MN | $62,650 | -1.9% | $30.12/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in MN | $62,640 | -1.9% | $30.12/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Minnesota?
- Graphic designers in Minnesota earn a median salary of $63,860 per year, or $31 per hour. This is 5.4% higher than the national average, making Minnesota a competitive market for this profession.
What is the salary range for graphic designers in Minnesota?
- Graphic designer salaries in Minnesota range from $42,690 at the lower end to $96,960 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is graphic design a well-paid job in Minnesota?
- Yes, graphic design in Minnesota offers above-average compensation compared to the national average, with a median salary of $63,860 annually. There are approximately 5,570 graphic designers employed in Minnesota, indicating a solid job market.
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Minnesota?
- Entry-level graphic designers in Minnesota can expect to earn around $42,690 annually, which is the lower end of the salary range for this role in the state. With experience and skills, designers can progress significantly within the range up to $96,960.