Entry-Level Graphic Designer Salary in Plymouth, MN: $35,255 (2026)
Quick Answer:New graphic designers entering the Plymouth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,255 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 27-1024, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,792 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,676) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates seeking their first positions in graphic design, Plymouth, Minnesota presents a competitive environment. The starting graphic designer salary in Plymouth stands at approximately $35,255 annually, which can be an eye-opener for fresh talent entering the workforce. This initial pay is below the city’s median of $59,676, highlighting the financial gap young professionals need to navigate as they gain experience. However, new graphic designers can anticipate upward growth in their earnings, moving from entry-level compensation to approximately $47,963 as they advance through their first few years on the job. With a modest growth rate of 3.36%, Plymouth remains a viable market for new grads looking to establish their careers while developing their portfolios.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Entry-level graphic designers in Plymouth, MN typically start between $35,255 and $47,963 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,243 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,676 — 8.3% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average graphic design program cost in Minnesota of $58,000 represents just 164.52% of the starting graphic designer pay ($35,255/year) in Plymouth. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover NASAD-accredited undergraduate graphic design programs at public and private institutions. Additional costs for software subscriptions, hardware, and portfolio materials are common.
Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level graphic designer pay ranges from $35,255 to $47,963, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the graphic design field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Plymouth, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Graphic Designer Compensation Range
The graphic designer wage spread in Plymouth is $57,243 ( 162.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,255, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,498.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,592
2025 BLS Actual
$34,109
2026 Current Est.
$35,255
2019–2027 Growth
+37.0%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,592 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,377 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,023 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,579 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,433 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,109 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,255 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,440 | Projected |
Entry-level graphic designer compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MN grew 28.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,592 in 2019 to $34,109 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,440. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.36% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your graphic design Career in Plymouth
In Plymouth, numerous employers actively seek newly minted graphic designers, including smaller design agencies and in-house teams within larger corporate structures. While larger firms might have prestigious internship pipelines that lead to higher-paying roles, entry-level positions at local agencies typically provide promising opportunities for growth and diverse project experiences. To enhance earning potential, new graduates should aim to build a strong portfolio, demonstrating proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, alongside skills in software like Figma and After Effects for digital and motion designs. The trade-off between agency and corporate roles often comes down to greater stability and benefits in-house versus broader project variety and creative freedom at agencies. Early-career designers should expect their salaries to rise as they accumulate experience, with opportunities for specialization, particularly in motion graphics or brand identity, which tend to command higher compensation in Plymouth’s graphic design market.
More salary data for Plymouth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for graphic designers in Plymouth in 2026?
How fast do graphic designer salaries grow in Plymouth?
Is graphic design school worth it in Plymouth?
What do new graphic designers make right out of school in Plymouth?
How do I become a graphic designer in Minnesota?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new graphic design graduates. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov