Graphic Designer Salary in Lombard, IL: $56,535 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Lombard, IL earns a median $56,535/year (≈ $27.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Lombard's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $58,223 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Lombard, IL, anticipate a median annual salary of $56,535 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median, which stands at $65,075, reflecting the area's unique employment landscape and cost of living. Salaries in this field can vary widely, with a range from $34,365 at the lower end to $87,629 at the upper end. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data, highlight the influence of local market conditions on compensation, particularly the preference for in-house corporate roles versus agency positions. Companies in Lombard that invest in creative talent often offer competitive packages, pushing them closer to higher salary brackets, making this an interesting market for job seekers.
About the Lombard Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,365 | $16.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,086 | $22.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,535 | $27.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,364 | $34.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,629 | $42.13 |
Median Salary Position
13.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lombard
In Lombard, IL, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,264 (2026 est.). At $56,535, the local median is 13.12% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lombard: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lombard Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Lombard median: $56,535/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lombard Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $58,343 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -13.12% less |
Graphic Designers in Lombard, IL earn a median of $56,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.12% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.10% below the Illinois state average of $58,343.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lombard 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.
Lombard, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $56,535 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,223 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,271
2025 BLS Actual
$54,697
2026 Current Est.
$56,535
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,271 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,374 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,055 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,379 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,179 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,333 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,697 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,535 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,434 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lombard metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $45,271 (2019) to $54,697 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,434 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,163 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lombard 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) | $34,365 – $46,086 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,086 – $56,535 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,535 – $72,364 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,364 – $87,629 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Lombard
In Lombard, the job market currently supports eight graphic designers, underscoring the relatively tight employment landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, professionals may find their take-home pay more impactful than when comparing with higher-cost regions. In-house corporate positions, particularly in sectors such as finance or consumer packaged goods, typically offer better salaries compared to advertising agencies or freelance work, where competition drives pricing down. The range of pay is also influenced by specific design specialties and the reputation of the employing firms. For instance, those skilled in motion graphics or brand identity are likely to command higher rates, particularly within top-tier agencies. To optimize earnings, designers should consider focusing on building a robust portfolio that highlights niche skills and pursuing opportunities within larger companies that tend to pay more.
More salary data for Lombard, 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 $54,697 for graphic designersin the Lombard 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 Lombard 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