Creative & Education Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Graphic Designer Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median graphic designer salary in Chicago, IL is $62,049 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$62,049
vs State Avg
+$6,958
vs National
+$4,059
Cost of Living
107%

Graphic Designer Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $40,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,660
+$2,660 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,060
+$4,060 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$94,160
+$6,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $38,948
25th Percentile $48,578
Median (50th) $62,049
75th Percentile $79,822
90th Percentile $105,074

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$62,629
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$55,091
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$49,292
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$47,552
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Chicago

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Chicago

Browse open graphic designer positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Chicago

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Chicago, Illinois is $62,049 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $38,948 (10th percentile) to $105,074 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,049, a graphic designer in Chicago earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Chicago's median graphic designer salary of $62,049 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $55,091. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $62,049 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Chicago? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Chicago require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Color Theory. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.