Creative & Education Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Graphic Designer Salary in Arkansas

The median graphic designer salary in Arkansas is $48,712 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $57,990.

Median Salary
$48,712
vs National
$-9,278
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Graphic Designer Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for graphic designer compensation. Graphic Designer salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $48,712 per year, graphic designers in Arkansas earn $9,278 less than the national median of $57,990.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $48,712 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,990 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: graphic designers at the 10th percentile earn $30,576, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $82,488 — a $51,912 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $51,031.

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for graphic designers across the country.

Graphic Designer Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $31,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,920 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,920
$-6,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,920
$-14,080 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $30,576
25th Percentile $38,136
Median (50th) $48,712
75th Percentile $62,664
90th Percentile $82,488

Graphic Designer Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for graphic designers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Arkansas

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Arkansas? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Arkansas is $48,712 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $30,576 (10th percentile) to $82,488 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,712, a graphic designer in Arkansas earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for graphic designers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for graphic designer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level graphic designers earn $31,920, while senior professionals earn $73,920.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for graphic designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for graphic designers is Hawaii at $98,583. Arkansas's median of $48,712 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($50,451) and Oklahoma ($49,871).
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level graphic designer in Arkansas earns approximately $31,920 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $73,920.
What city in Arkansas pays graphic designers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for graphic designers, with a median salary of $51,031. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.