Arlington Heights vs Champaign: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Champaign, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Champaign, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,419 | $62,223▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.61 | $29.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,000 | $40,869▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,763 | $50,378▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,496▲ | $67,752 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,999▲ | $82,006 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Champaign, IL offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington Heights.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Champaign is $4,804 (8.37%). Champaign's median is -4.38% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington Heights spans $50,999,Champaign spans $41,137. Arlington Heights has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($67,120 effective) pays 13.51% more than Arlington Heights ($59,134 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,999)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,223/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,120)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Arlington Heights grew -6.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.2% growth in Champaign over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$59,245 (2024) → $55,552 (2025)
Champaign, IL
$42,940 (2019) → $60,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Champaign, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Arlington Heights or Champaign?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Champaign?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Champaign as a graphic designer?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov