Graphic Designer Salary in Joliet, IL: $57,970 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Joliet, IL earns a median $57,970/year (≈ $27.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Joliet's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $59,701 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a graphic designer in Joliet, Illinois, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $57,970, which reflects a competitive position relative to the national average of $65,075. The local salary range stretches from $36,675 at the lower end (P10) to $89,854 for top earners (P90), indicating a diverse market with potential for growth. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, illustrate the substantial premium that specialties like motion graphics and brand identity can command. For graphic designers looking to elevate their earnings in Joliet, focusing on this niche could be financially rewarding in an evolving job landscape.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,675 | $17.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,037 | $21.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,970 | $27.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,202 | $35.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,854 | $43.19 |
Median Salary Position
10.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Joliet
In Joliet, IL, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,179 (2026 est.). At $57,970, the local median is 10.92% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Joliet: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Joliet Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Joliet median: $57,970/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Joliet Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $58,320 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -10.92% less |
Graphic Designers in Joliet, IL earn a median of $57,970 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.92% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $58,320.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Joliet 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.
Joliet, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $57,970 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,701 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,421
2025 BLS Actual
$56,086
2026 Current Est.
$57,970
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,421 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,552 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,173 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,659 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,478 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,814 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,086 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,970 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,918 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Joliet metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $46,421 (2019) to $56,086 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,918 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,497 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Joliet 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) | $36,675 – $45,037 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,037 – $57,970 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,970 – $74,202 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,202 – $89,854 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Joliet
Currently, the local job market shows 25 graphic designers employed in Joliet, IL, revealing a tight-knit community of creatives. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, the purchasing power for designers in Joliet is relatively favorable compared to many larger markets, though some constraints exist. Companies that offer the best pay are typically found within in-house corporate marketing teams, particularly in sectors like banking, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and technology. Freelancers might find variability in their income, with the rate often dependent on the strength of their portfolios and the projects they undertake. Factors influencing salary disparities include specialization, agency prestige, and corporate structure, with positions at higher-tier agencies often providing more lucrative offers. For graphic designers aiming to maximize their pay in Joliet, building a strong portfolio, networking within the local market, and targeting corporate roles that leverage their specific skills can make a considerable difference.
More salary data for Joliet, 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 $56,086 for graphic designersin the Joliet 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 Joliet 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