Graphic Designer Salary in Wasilla, AK: $63,831 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Wasilla, AK earns a median $63,831/year (≈ $30.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Wasilla's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 106.1), that paycheck buys what $60,161 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Alaska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wasilla, Alaska, graphic designers can expect a median annual salary of $63,831, which slightly lags behind the national median of $65,075. The local salary range spans from $43,723 at the 10th percentile to $98,938 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied opportunities available in this market based on expertise and agency affiliation. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost factors. In-house positions, typically offering steadier pay and benefits, can have different compensation structures compared to agency roles, which may present lower starting salaries but offer greater creative potential and variety in project work.
About the Wasilla Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,723 | $21.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,197 | $24.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,831 | $30.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,497 | $38.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,938 | $47.57 |
Median Salary Position
1.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wasilla
In Wasilla, AK, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,215 (2026 est.). At $63,831, the local median is 1.91% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wasilla: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wasilla Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Wasilla median: $63,831/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wasilla Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $69,081 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -1.91% less |
Graphic Designers in Wasilla, AK earn a median of $63,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.91% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.60% below the Alaska state average of $69,081.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wasilla has a cost of living 6.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wasilla, AK has a cost-of-living index of 106.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,831 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,161 — a 5.75% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,113
2025 BLS Actual
$61,756
2026 Current Est.
$63,831
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Wasilla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,113 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,359 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,740 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,881 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,783 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,756 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,831 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,976 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wasilla metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $51,113 (2019) to $61,756 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,976 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,863 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wasilla 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $43,723 – $50,197 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,197 – $63,831 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,831 – $80,497 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,497 – $98,938 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Wasilla
With only four graphic designers employed in Wasilla, the local market is relatively small but offers unique opportunities. The cost of living in the area, reflected in the higher cost-of-living index of 106.1, means that take-home pay is an important consideration for designers. Companies within in-house corporate marketing teams, particularly banks and consumer packaged goods firms, tend to offer more competitive salaries compared to advertising agencies. The disparity between lower and higher salaries is influenced by factors such as specialization in areas like motion graphics or brand identity, agency ranking, and individual portfolio strength. Freelancers face a wide range of rates, with many engaging in lower-end commoditized work while top-tier professionals command higher prices for selected projects. To maximize earning potential in Wasilla, designers would benefit from fostering a diverse portfolio, continually enhancing their skills in high-demand areas like motion graphics, and strategically networking within the local market.
More salary data for Wasilla, AK:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $61,756 for graphic designersin the Wasilla metropolitan area. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wasilla 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