Graphic Designer Salary in Decatur, IL: $49,716 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Decatur, IL earns a median $49,716/year (≈ $23.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Decatur's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 88.4), that paycheck buys what $56,226 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.8% below the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
The projected graphic designer salary in Decatur, IL, for 2026 is $49,716, significantly lower than the national median of $65,075, reflecting a difference of about 23.60%. Within Decatur, the salary range spans from $35,473 at the 10th percentile to $84,786 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse market for varying levels of experience and specialization. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlights the implications of choosing between agency and in-house roles. Generally, those in agency positions might start at a lower base but have the potential for higher earnings and broader project exposure over time, whilst in-house roles typically provide steadier pay and additional benefits, creating different financial trajectories within the local job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,473 | $17.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,716 | $20.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,716 | $23.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,665 | $31.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,786 | $40.77 |
Median Salary Position
23.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Decatur
In Decatur, IL, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,313 (2026 est.). At $49,716, the local median is 23.6% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Decatur: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Decatur Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Decatur median: $49,716/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Decatur Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $58,352 | -14.80% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -23.60% less |
Graphic Designers in Decatur, IL earn a median of $49,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.60% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 14.80% below the Illinois state average of $58,352.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Decatur has a cost of living 11.58% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Decatur, IL has a cost-of-living index of 88.422 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $49,716 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,226 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.09% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,240
2025 BLS Actual
$48,100
2026 Current Est.
$49,716
2019–2027 Growth
+6.5%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,150 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,300 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,716 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,387 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Decatur metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew -0.3% from $48,240 (2019) to $48,100 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,387 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,147 (6.52%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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) | $35,473 – $41,716 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,716 – $49,716 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,716 – $65,665 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,665 – $84,786 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Decatur
Looking more closely at Decatur's market, there are currently 40 graphic designers employed in the area, facing a cost-of-living index of 88.422, which suggests a lower expense for goods and services compared to national averages. This situation allows designers to stretch their salaries further, but they must also consider employer types and their financial implications. In-house corporate teams, particularly in sectors like banking and consumer packaged goods, tend to offer the most competitive salaries, with higher pay at companies focused on brand identity and motion graphics. The salary spread in Decatur can be affected by factors like the designer’s specialty, experience, and portfolio strength. Those seeking to maximize their pay should focus on building a robust portfolio that showcases skills in high-demand areas, consider freelance opportunities for potential higher project rates, and strategically target employers known for premium compensation.
More salary data for Decatur, 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 $48,100 for graphic designersin the Decatur 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