Creative & Education Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Graphic Designer Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median graphic designer salary in Milwaukee, WI is $53,351 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$53,351
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,639
Cost of Living
92%

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

Milwaukee offers a median graphic designer salary of $53,351, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $53,351. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% 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 Milwaukee spans from $33,488 at the 10th percentile to $90,344 at the 90th percentile — a $56,856 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,960, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,960. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Graphic Designer Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

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

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

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

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$57,990
Pop. 269,840
Kenosha, WI
$52,191
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$51,031
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$49,871
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Milwaukee

Education

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

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open graphic designer positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,351, a graphic designer in Milwaukee earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median graphic designer salary of $53,351 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $53,351. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $53,351 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Milwaukee? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Milwaukee 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.