Creative & Education Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Graphic Designer Salary in Missouri

The median graphic designer salary in Missouri is $51,031 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $57,990.

Median Salary
$51,031
vs National
$-6,959
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Graphic Designer Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for graphic designer compensation. Graphic Designer salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $51,031 per year, graphic designers in Missouri earn $6,959 less than the national median of $57,990.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $51,031 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,990 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: graphic designers at the 10th percentile earn $32,032, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $86,416 — a $54,384 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $53,351.

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 Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,440
$-4,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $32,032
25th Percentile $39,952
Median (50th) $51,031
75th Percentile $65,648
90th Percentile $86,416

Graphic Designer Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for graphic designers in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook in Missouri

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Missouri

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Missouri? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Missouri is $51,031 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $32,032 (10th percentile) to $86,416 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,031, a graphic designer in Missouri earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for graphic designers? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for graphic designer pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level graphic designers earn $33,440, while senior professionals earn $77,440.
How does Missouri compare to other states for graphic designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for graphic designers is Hawaii at $98,583. Missouri's median of $51,031 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($51,611) and Tennessee ($51,611).
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level graphic designer in Missouri earns approximately $33,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $77,440.
What city in Missouri pays graphic designers the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for graphic designers, with a median salary of $53,351. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.