Graphic Designer Pay

Champaign vs Orland Park: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Champaign, IL and Orland Park, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Champaign, IL
$62,223
$29.91/hr
Orland Park, IL
$59,161
$28.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChampaign, ILOrland Park, IL
Median Salary$62,223$59,161
Hourly Rate$29.91$28.44
Entry Level (P10)$40,869$37,276
25th Percentile$50,378$45,743
75th Percentile$67,752$75,727
Top Earner (P90)$82,006$91,700
Total Employed1509
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Champaign ($62,223) and Orland Park ($59,161) graphic designer salaries.ChampaignOrland ParkMedian Salary$62,223$59,161Entry Level (P10)$40,869$37,276Top Earner (P90)$82,006$91,700US Median $65,075

Verdict

Champaign, IL offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orland Park.

The salary gap between Champaign and Orland Park is $3,062 (5.18%). 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 Champaign spans $41,137,Orland Park spans $54,424. Orland Park has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Champaign
P10 (Entry)$40,869
P25$50,378
Median$62,223
P75$67,752
P90 (Top)$82,006
Orland Park
P10 (Entry)$37,276
P25$45,743
Median$59,161
P75$75,727
P90 (Top)$91,700

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($67,120 effective) pays 10.16% more than Orland Park ($60,928 effective).

Champaign
Nominal: $62,223
CoL Index: 92.704
Adjusted: $67,120
Orland Park
Nominal: $59,161
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $60,928

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Orland Park if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($91,700)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Champaign grew 40.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.2% growth in Orland Park over the same period.

Champaign, IL

+40.2%

$42,940 (2019) → $60,200 (2025)

Orland Park, IL

+-6.2%

$61,042 (2024) → $57,238 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Champaign or Orland Park?

Champaign has a higher median graphic designer salary at $62,223/year, compared to Orland Park at $59,161/year — a difference of $3,062 (5.18%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Orland Park?

Champaign graphic designers earn $29.91/hr while Orland Park hygienists earn $28.44/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Champaign to Orland Park as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Champaign and Orland Park. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Champaign = $67,120, Orland Park = $60,928), job availability (150 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Champaign vs Orland Park?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $40,869 in Champaign and $37,276 in Orland Park. The Champaign area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, BFAData verified by Carlos Rodriguez, MA

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