Graphic Designer Salary in Belleville, IL: $55,652 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Belleville, IL earns a median $55,652/year (≈ $26.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Belleville's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $57,314 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Belleville, IL, can expect a median annual salary of $55,652, which reflects the local market conditions and regional cost adjustments. The salary range for this occupation spans from $36,986 at the 10th percentile to $86,261 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant disparity in earnings that may align with an individual’s specialization and portfolio strength. This market snapshot highlights the impact of skill sets such as motion graphics and brand identity, which often command higher pay than more general graphic design roles. Given the relatively lower cost of living index of 97.1 in Belleville, designers here may find that their salaries allow for a comfortable standard of living compared to other regions.
About the Belleville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,986 | $17.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,308 | $21.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,652 | $26.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,235 | $34.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,261 | $41.47 |
Median Salary Position
14.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Belleville
In Belleville, IL, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,275 (2026 est.). At $55,652, the local median is 14.48% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Belleville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Belleville Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Belleville median: $55,652/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Belleville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $58,336 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -14.48% less |
Graphic Designers in Belleville, IL earn a median of $55,652 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.48% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $58,336.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Belleville has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Belleville, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $55,652 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,314 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,564
2025 BLS Actual
$53,843
2026 Current Est.
$55,652
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Belleville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,564 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,650 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,367 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,593 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,379 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,422 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,843 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,652 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,522 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Belleville metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $44,564 (2019) to $53,843 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,522 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,958 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Belleville 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) | $36,986 – $44,308 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,308 – $55,652 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,652 – $71,235 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,235 – $86,261 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Belleville
The local job market for graphic designers in Belleville is relatively small, with only ten individuals currently employed in this field, which may create a competitive atmosphere for positions. Designers working for in-house corporate marketing teams, particularly in industries like finance or consumer packaged goods, often secure higher compensation compared to those in advertising agencies or freelance roles, where pay can vary widely based on experience and project scope. The disparity between low and high graphic designer pay in Belleville is driven by expertise in specialized areas and the tier of the employing agency or corporation. Those looking to maximize their earnings should focus on building a robust portfolio, emphasizing skills that are in demand, and considering roles that offer additional benefits or project management opportunities in corporate settings.
More salary data for Belleville, IL:
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 $53,843 for graphic designersin the Belleville 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 Belleville 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