Entry-Level Graphic Designer Salary in Great Falls, MT: $39,215 (2026)
Quick Answer:New graphic designers entering the Great Falls, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,215 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 27-1024, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Great Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 96.8 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,493 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,801) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the workforce in graphic design, the starting graphic designer salary in Great Falls, MT, offers a mixture of opportunities and challenges. In 2026, new graduates can expect to begin their careers with pay around $39,215, which is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $50,801. This gap illustrates the typical progression new designers may experience—many will reach the 25th percentile at $45,964 as they gain experience, and then eventually reach the median. Given the growth trajectory in the industry, with an annual increase of 3.36%, Great Falls remains a viable market for newcomers, particularly with a lower cost of living index of 96.845, which can help offset some initial salary disparities.
Career Earnings Timeline in Great Falls
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 Great Falls
Entry-level graphic designers in Great Falls, MT typically start between $39,215 and $45,964 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,587 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,801 — 21.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average graphic design program cost in Montana of $42,000 represents just 107.10% of the starting graphic designer pay ($39,215/year) in Great Falls. 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 Great Falls
- 1Research the Great Falls market: entry-level graphic designer pay ranges from $39,215 to $45,964, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Great Falls, 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 Great Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Great Falls'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 Great Falls is $67,587 ( 172.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,215, experienced hygienists can earn up to $106,802.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$18,390
2025 BLS Actual
$37,940
2026 Current Est.
$39,215
2019–2027 Growth
+120.4%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18,390 | Actual |
| 2020 | $18,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,964 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,215 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,532 | Projected |
Entry-level graphic designer compensation (10th percentile) in Great Falls, MT grew 106.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,390 in 2019 to $37,940 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,532. New graduates entering the Great Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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 Great Falls
Job opportunities for entry-level graphic designers primarily arise within small agencies and in-house corporate teams that are more likely to employ fresh talent. These employers typically prioritize portfolio reviews over extensive resumes, valuing practical experience with programs like Adobe Creative Suite and emerging tools like Figma and After Effects. New graduates should consider enhancing their skill sets with motion design or packaging specialties, as these areas are better compensated over time. While the freelance scene can be enticing, it is often commoditized at the entry level, leaving less room for negotiation on pay. In the first few years, a realistic salary growth expectation can lead to further opportunities in both in-house roles, which promise steadier pay, and agency work, offering a broader project variety.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Great Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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