Graphic Designer Salary in Moline, IL: $55,225 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Moline, IL earns a median $55,225/year (≈ $26.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Moline's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $56,874 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Moline, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $55,225, reflecting local market conditions and regional price adjustments. The salary range for this profession spans from $35,048 at the 10th percentile to $85,600 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from 2025 BLS state-level statistics, indicates that while Moline's figures lag behind the national median salary of $65,075 by about 15.14%, opportunities for creative professionals still exist in areas like freelance contracting or in-house roles. The employment scene here remains modest, suggesting a competitive market where professionals must position themselves effectively to seize available roles.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,048 | $16.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,919 | $20.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,225 | $26.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,688 | $33.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,600 | $41.16 |
Median Salary Position
15.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
In Moline, IL, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,552 (2026 est.). At $55,225, the local median is 15.14% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moline: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moline Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Moline median: $55,225/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moline Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $58,316 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -15.14% less |
Graphic Designers in Moline, IL earn a median of $55,225 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.14% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.30% below the Illinois state average of $58,316.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moline 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.
Moline, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $55,225 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,874 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,222
2025 BLS Actual
$53,430
2026 Current Est.
$55,225
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,222 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,300 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,034 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,212 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,993 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,431 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,225 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,081 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moline metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $44,222 (2019) to $53,430 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,081 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,859 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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) | $35,048 – $42,919 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,919 – $55,225 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,225 – $70,688 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,688 – $85,600 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Moline
Considering the local job market, Moline currently employs around 10 graphic designers, a number that highlights the tightness of this industry in the area. With a cost-of-living index at 97.1, living in Moline offers a relatively affordable lifestyle, which can positively impact take-home pay. Employers such as in-house corporate marketing teams in banking and consumer packaged goods often provide better compensation compared to smaller advertising or design agencies. Several factors create a pay disparity in roles, including specialty skills like motion graphics and brand identity, as well as the distinction between freelance project rates and salaried positions in corporate environments. Establishing a strong portfolio and networking within Moline's industries are key strategies for maximizing compensation potential in this context.
More salary data for Moline, 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 $53,430 for graphic designersin the Moline 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 Moline 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