Graphic Designer Salary in Bloomington, IL: $59,153 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Bloomington, IL earns a median $59,153/year (≈ $28.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Bloomington's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.5), that paycheck buys what $63,240 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bloomington, IL, graphic designers earn a median annual salary of $59,153, which is notably lower than the national figure of $65,075. The salary range for graphic designers in this area varies significantly, spanning from $40,569 at the 10th percentile to $95,680 at the 90th percentile, indicating potential for higher earnings based on experience and specialization. This data, derived from based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflects the city's job market dynamics, particularly the influence of the agency versus in-house employment structure. While in-house positions typically offer steadier pay and benefits, agency roles may allow for greater creative freedom and project diversity, essential considerations for anyone entering the graphic designer pay landscape in Bloomington.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,569 | $19.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,194 | $22.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,153 | $28.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,561 | $35.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,680 | $46.01 |
Median Salary Position
9.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
In Bloomington, IL, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,111 (2026 est.). At $59,153, the local median is 9.1% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bloomington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bloomington Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Bloomington median: $59,153/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bloomington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $58,336 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -9.10% less |
Graphic Designers in Bloomington, IL earn a median of $59,153 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.10% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.40% above the Illinois state average of $58,336.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bloomington has a cost of living 6.46% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bloomington, IL has a cost-of-living index of 93.537 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $59,153 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,240 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.91% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,120
2025 BLS Actual
$57,230
2026 Current Est.
$59,153
2019–2027 Growth
+45.2%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,180 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,153 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,140 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bloomington metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 35.9% from $42,120 (2019) to $57,230 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,140 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,020 (45.16%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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) | $40,569 – $47,194 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,194 – $59,153 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,153 – $73,561 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,561 – $95,680 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Bloomington
Looking at the local job market, there are approximately 90 graphic designers currently employed, suggesting a modest but steady demand for design talent in Bloomington. The cost of living index is favorable, sitting at 93.537, which can enhance purchasing power for graphic designers living in the city. Employers in the area that offer higher compensation often come from in-house corporate marketing teams within industries like consumer packaged goods (CPG) and finance, along with prominent advertising agencies. Factors affecting pay disparities include specialization in areas such as motion graphics and brand identity, with those skills often commanding a premium. Upgrading one’s portfolio and seeking roles within top-tier agencies or CPG companies can significantly elevate income potential. For those exploring how much graphic designers make in Bloomington, focusing on building niche skills and leveraging freelance opportunities may yield the best financial outcomes.
More salary data for Bloomington, 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 $57,230 for graphic designersin the Bloomington 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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