Graphic Designer Salary in Northbrook, IL: $57,550 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Northbrook, IL earns a median $57,550/year (≈ $27.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Northbrook's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $59,269 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northbrook, Illinois, graphic designers can expect a median annual salary of $57,550 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $65,075. This local compensation is reflective of a salary range that spans from $36,623 at the 10th percentile to $89,202 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant differences in pay within the field. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, highlight a market where in-house corporate roles, often found within large organizations such as banks and consumer goods companies, tend to offer steadier pay, while agency positions might provide wider creative opportunities yet often start at lower salary levels. Northbrook presents a unique environment for graphic designers to specialize in niches such as brand identity and motion graphics, which are likely to yield higher compensation.
About the Northbrook Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,623 | $17.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,664 | $21.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,550 | $27.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,664 | $35.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,202 | $42.88 |
Median Salary Position
11.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northbrook
In Northbrook, IL, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,579 (2026 est.). At $57,550, the local median is 11.56% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Northbrook: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Northbrook Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Northbrook median: $57,550/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Northbrook Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $58,367 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -11.56% less |
Graphic Designers in Northbrook, IL earn a median of $57,550 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.56% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $58,367.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Northbrook 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.
Northbrook, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $57,550 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,269 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,084
2025 BLS Actual
$55,679
2026 Current Est.
$57,550
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Northbrook (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,084 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,207 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,846 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,284 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,097 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,379 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,679 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,550 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,483 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northbrook metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $46,084 (2019) to $55,679 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,483 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,399 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northbrook 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) | $36,623 – $44,664 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,664 – $57,550 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,550 – $73,664 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,664 – $89,202 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Northbrook
The job market for graphic designers in Northbrook is relatively small, with only eight individuals employed in the field. Despite this limited number, the area's cost of living index stands at 97.1, which is slightly below the national average, suggesting that take-home earnings can stretch further compared to other regions. Among local employers, in-house corporate marketing teams, especially in banking and consumer products, may offer the highest compensation packages, while digital and advertising agencies, though competitive, often pay less at the entry-level and reward significant experience with larger salaries. The disparity in compensation often stems from factors such as specialization in high-demand skills and agency tier, where top agencies command higher salaries for seasoned professionals. To maximize earnings, aspiring designers in Northbrook should focus on building a robust portfolio that showcases specialized skills, network actively within regional design hubs, and consider freelance opportunities that cater to higher-end clients rather than competing on price alone.
More salary data for Northbrook, 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 $55,679 for graphic designersin the Northbrook 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 Northbrook 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