Creative & Education Rochester, MN Pop. 121,395

Graphic Designer Salary in Rochester, Minnesota

The median graphic designer salary in Rochester, MN is $56,830 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 1.0% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$56,830
vs State Avg
+$580
vs National
$-1,160
Cost of Living
98%

Graphic Designer Pay in Rochester: What to Expect (2026)

Rochester offers a median graphic designer salary of $56,830, which is $580 above the Minnesota state average of $56,250. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 98% 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 Rochester spans from $35,672 at the 10th percentile to $96,236 at the 90th percentile — a $60,564 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,240, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,240. With a population of 121,395, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Graphic Designer Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $37,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,240
$-760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,840
$-1,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,240
$-1,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, MN

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $35,672
25th Percentile $44,492
Median (50th) $56,830
75th Percentile $73,108
90th Percentile $96,236

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

Minneapolis, MN
$60,890
Pop. 429,954
Bloomington, MN
$59,150
Pop. 89,987
Saint Paul, MN
$57,990
Pop. 311,527
Duluth, MN
$52,191
Pop. 90,884

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Rochester

Education

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

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Rochester

Browse open graphic designer positions in Rochester, MN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Rochester

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Rochester, MN? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Rochester, Minnesota is $56,830 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $35,672 (10th percentile) to $96,236 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,830, a graphic designer in Rochester earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the Minnesota state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Rochester's median graphic designer salary of $56,830 is 1.0% above the Minnesota state average of $56,250. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, MN? ▼
Rochester has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $56,830 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Rochester? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Rochester 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.