Graphic Designer Salary in Oak Park, IL: $57,923 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Oak Park, IL earns a median $57,923/year (≈ $27.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Oak Park's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $59,653 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Park, Illinois, graphic designers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $57,923 in 2026. This figure is below the national median but reflects the area's unique specialization landscape, particularly for those focusing on motion graphics and brand identity, which can significantly enhance earning potential. The salary range for graphic designers in Oak Park varies widely, from $34,509 at the lower end (10th percentile) to as high as $89,781 for those at the top of the market (90th percentile). These estimates, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics state-level data alongside regional price adjustments, indicate room for growth in this creative sector, catering to the diverse needs of local businesses.
About the Oak Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,509 | $16.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,770 | $22.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,923 | $27.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,141 | $35.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,781 | $43.16 |
Median Salary Position
10.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Park
In Oak Park, IL, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,272 (2026 est.). At $57,923, the local median is 10.99% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Park Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Oak Park median: $57,923/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $58,331 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -10.99% less |
Graphic Designers in Oak Park, IL earn a median of $57,923 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.99% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.70% below the Illinois state average of $58,331.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Park 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.
Oak Park, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $57,923 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,653 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,383
2025 BLS Actual
$56,040
2026 Current Est.
$57,923
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Oak Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,383 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,513 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,136 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,616 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,435 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,764 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,923 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,869 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Park metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $46,383 (2019) to $56,040 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,869 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,486 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Park 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) | $34,509 – $46,770 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,770 – $57,923 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,923 – $74,141 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,141 – $89,781 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Oak Park
With only 10 graphic designers employed in Oak Park, the job market demonstrates a tight-knit community that can deeply impact salary dynamics. The local cost of living index stands at 97.1, slightly below the national average, which might allow for a more favorable purchasing power compared to other areas. In Oak Park, employers that typically pay the most for graphic design expertise include in-house corporate marketing teams in sectors like banking and consumer packaged goods, as well as established advertising and brand agencies. The variation in compensation often stems from specific skills like motion graphics, the caliber of agencies, and the level of the designer's portfolio. For those looking to maximize pay in this market, focusing on enhancing skills in high-demand areas, cultivating strong portfolios, and exploring contract opportunities can prove beneficial avenues for increasing overall earnings.
More salary data for Oak Park, 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 $56,040 for graphic designersin the Oak Park 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 Oak Park 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