Creative & Education Wisconsin (WI) Rank #31 of 50

Graphic Designer Salary in Wisconsin

The median graphic designer salary in Wisconsin is $53,351 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $57,990.

Median Salary
$53,351
vs National
$-4,639
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Graphic Designer Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for graphic designer compensation. Graphic Designer salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $53,351 per year, graphic designers in Wisconsin earn $4,639 less than the national median of $57,990.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $53,351 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,990 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: graphic designers at the 10th percentile earn $33,488, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $90,344 — a $56,856 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $57,990.

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 Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $34,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin 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

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

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

Graphic Designer Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for graphic designers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,351, a graphic designer in Wisconsin earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for graphic designers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for graphic designer pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level graphic designers earn $34,960, while senior professionals earn $80,960.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for graphic designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for graphic designers is Hawaii at $98,583. Wisconsin's median of $53,351 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($53,351) and Texas ($53,351).
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level graphic designer in Wisconsin earns approximately $34,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $53,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $80,960.
What city in Wisconsin pays graphic designers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for graphic designers, with a median salary of $57,990. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.