Graphic Designer Salary in Lewiston, ID: $59,639 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Lewiston, ID earns a median $59,639/year (≈ $28.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Lewiston's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $62,580 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Lewiston, Idaho, can expect a median annual salary of $59,639, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national median of $65,075. Salary figures for local designers range from a lower threshold of $40,430 to a high end of $92,440, indicating a competitive market for those with diverse skills in design. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, highlight the opportunities and challenges within the local graphic design sector. Freelancers may find themselves navigating a day rate model that allows for flexibility but often comes with unpredictability, potentially influencing overall income as they balance multiple clients and projects within a market that still rewards strong portfolios and specialization.
About the Lewiston Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,430 | $19.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,070 | $23.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,639 | $28.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,338 | $36.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,440 | $44.44 |
Median Salary Position
8.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lewiston
In Lewiston, ID, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,010 (2026 est.). At $59,639, the local median is 8.35% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lewiston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lewiston Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Lewiston median: $59,639/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lewiston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $61,995 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -8.35% less |
Graphic Designers in Lewiston, ID earn a median of $59,639 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.35% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.80% below the Idaho state average of $61,995.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lewiston has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lewiston, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $59,639 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,580 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,756
2025 BLS Actual
$57,700
2026 Current Est.
$59,639
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lewiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,756 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,473 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,145 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,988 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,656 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,639 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,643 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lewiston metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $47,756 (2019) to $57,700 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,643 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,887 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lewiston 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) | $40,430 – $48,070 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,070 – $59,639 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,639 – $76,338 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,338 – $92,440 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Lewiston
Analyzing the local job market reveals just eight graphic designers currently employed in Lewiston, which indicates both limited opportunities and the potential for established professionals to command higher salaries due to scarcity. The cost-of-living index is particularly relevant, sitting at 95.3, suggesting that take-home pay will stretch further in Lewiston compared to more expensive metropolitan areas. Within the local landscape, in-house corporate marketing and branding teams, particularly those in sectors like banking and consumer packaged goods, tend to offer the most competitive salaries. Factors such as specialty in motion graphics or brand identity, along with agency prestige, can significantly affect pay. For those entering or advancing in this market, focusing on building a strong portfolio, pursuing continuous education in Adobe Creative Suite techniques, and positioning oneself for freelance or contract work can enhance earnings potential substantially.
More salary data for Lewiston, ID:
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 $57,700 for graphic designersin the Lewiston 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 Lewiston 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