Creative & Education Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Graphic Designer Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median graphic designer salary in Des Moines, IA is $53,351 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$53,351
vs State Avg
+$1,740
vs National
$-4,639
Cost of Living
92%

Graphic Designer Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median graphic designer salary of $53,351, which is $1,740 above the Iowa state average of $51,611. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for graphic designers in Des Moines spans from $33,488 at the 10th percentile to $90,344 at the 90th percentile — a $56,856 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,960, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,960. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Graphic Designer Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $34,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,960
$-3,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-7,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $33,488
25th Percentile $41,768
Median (50th) $53,351
75th Percentile $68,632
90th Percentile $90,344

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$55,091
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$51,031
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$49,871
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$48,712
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Des Moines

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa 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 Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open graphic designer positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $53,351 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $33,488 (10th percentile) to $90,344 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,351, a graphic designer in Des Moines earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Des Moines's median graphic designer salary of $53,351 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $51,611. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $53,351 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Des Moines? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Des Moines 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.