Creative & Education Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Graphic Designer Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median graphic designer salary in Iowa City, IA is $55,091 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$55,091
vs State Avg
+$3,480
vs National
$-2,899
Cost of Living
95%

Graphic Designer Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median graphic designer salary of $55,091, which is $3,480 above the Iowa state average of $51,611. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% 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 Iowa City spans from $34,580 at the 10th percentile to $93,290 at the 90th percentile — a $58,710 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,100, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Graphic Designer Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $36,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,100
$-1,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,100
$-2,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $34,580
25th Percentile $43,130
Median (50th) $55,091
75th Percentile $70,870
90th Percentile $93,290

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Des Moines, IA
$53,351
Pop. 214,133
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 Iowa City

Education

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

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open graphic designer positions in Iowa City, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $55,091 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $34,580 (10th percentile) to $93,290 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,091, a graphic designer in Iowa City earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Iowa City's median graphic designer salary of $55,091 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $51,611. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $55,091 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Iowa City? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Iowa City 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.