Creative & Education Montana (MT) Rank #25 of 50

Graphic Designer Salary in Montana

The median graphic designer salary in Montana is $55,091 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $57,990.

Median Salary
$55,091
vs National
$-2,899
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Graphic Designer Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for graphic designer compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for graphic designer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $55,091 per year, graphic designers in Montana earn $2,899 less than the national median of $57,990.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning graphic designer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: graphic designers at the 10th percentile earn $34,580, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $93,290 — a $58,710 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $66,689.

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 Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $36,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The cost of living index in Montana 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

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

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

Graphic Designer Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for graphic designers in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook in Montana

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Montana

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Montana? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Montana 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 Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,091, a graphic designer in Montana earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for graphic designers? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for graphic designer pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level graphic designers earn $36,100, while senior professionals earn $83,600.
How does Montana compare to other states for graphic designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for graphic designers is Hawaii at $98,583. Montana's median of $55,091 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($55,670) and Illinois ($55,091).
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level graphic designer in Montana earns approximately $36,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,100. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $83,600.
What city in Montana pays graphic designers the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for graphic designers, with a median salary of $66,689. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.