Graphic Designer Pay

Minneapolis vs Savage: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Minneapolis, MN and Savage, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Minneapolis, MN
$67,814
$32.60/hr
Savage, MN
$58,301
$28.03/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMinneapolis, MNSavage, MN
Median Salary$67,814$58,301
Hourly Rate$32.60$28.03
Entry Level (P10)$48,476$40,040
25th Percentile$59,194$47,373
75th Percentile$84,548$74,626
Top Earner (P90)$105,314$90,367
Total Employed3,6909
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Minneapolis ($67,814) and Savage ($58,301) graphic designer salaries.MinneapolisSavageMedian Salary$67,814$58,301Entry Level (P10)$48,476$40,040Top Earner (P90)$105,314$90,367US Median $65,075

Verdict

Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Savage.

The salary gap between Minneapolis and Savage is $9,513 (16.32%). Minneapolis's median is +4.21% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $56,838,Savage spans $50,327. Minneapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$48,476
P25$59,194
Median$67,814
P75$84,548
P90 (Top)$105,314
Savage
P10 (Entry)$40,040
P25$47,373
Median$58,301
P75$74,626
P90 (Top)$90,367

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($64,694 effective) pays 9.30% more than Savage ($59,189 effective).

Minneapolis
Nominal: $67,814
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $64,694
Savage
Nominal: $58,301
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $59,189

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Minneapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,814/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($105,314)
  • Larger job market (3,690 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,694)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Savage if…

  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Minneapolis grew 23.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.9% growth in Savage over the same period.

Minneapolis, MN

+23.7%

$53,030 (2019) → $65,610 (2025)

Savage, MN

+-8.9%

$61,903 (2024) → $56,406 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Minneapolis or Savage?

Minneapolis has a higher median graphic designer salary at $67,814/year, compared to Savage at $58,301/year — a difference of $9,513 (16.32%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Savage?

Minneapolis graphic designers earn $32.60/hr while Savage hygienists earn $28.03/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Savage as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Minneapolis and Savage. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Minneapolis = $64,694, Savage = $59,189), job availability (3,690 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Minneapolis vs Savage?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $48,476 in Minneapolis and $40,040 in Savage. The Minneapolis 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