Graphic Designer Salary in Skokie, IL: $57,040 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Skokie, IL earns a median $57,040/year (≈ $27.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Skokie's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $58,744 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary of $57,040, graphic designers in Skokie, IL, earn noticeably less compared to their national counterparts, who make a median of $65,075. The projected pay range for local designers varies significantly, spanning from $37,093 at the lower end to $88,412 at the higher end. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. The freelance market can also impact earnings, with many professionals opting between day and project rates for their services, influencing the overall income landscape. Understanding these financial specifics is essential for those looking to establish themselves in Skokie’s market.
About the Skokie Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,093 | $17.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,764 | $21.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,040 | $27.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,011 | $35.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,412 | $42.50 |
Median Salary Position
12.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Skokie
In Skokie, IL, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,319 (2026 est.). At $57,040, the local median is 12.35% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Skokie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Skokie Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Skokie median: $57,040/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Skokie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $58,323 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -12.35% less |
Graphic Designers in Skokie, IL earn a median of $57,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.35% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.20% below the Illinois state average of $58,323.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Skokie 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.
Skokie, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $57,040 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,744 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,676
2025 BLS Actual
$55,186
2026 Current Est.
$57,040
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Skokie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,676 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,789 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,449 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,636 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,854 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,186 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,040 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,957 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Skokie metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $45,676 (2019) to $55,186 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,957 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,281 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Skokie 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) | $37,093 – $43,764 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,764 – $57,040 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,040 – $73,011 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,011 – $88,412 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Skokie
In Skokie, the job market for graphic designers is relatively small but stable, with only 12 professionals currently employed in the area. While the cost-of-living index stands just below the national average at 97.1, this does have implications for purchasing power and overall earnings. Designers working in-house for corporate marketing teams often find the highest salaries, especially within industries like consumer packaged goods (CPG) and finance, where creative work can command better compensation than general retail. Those specializing in motion graphics or brand identity may also see higher pay, reflecting the demand for niche skill sets. Freelancers might experience greater variability in their income, making portfolio strength and established client relationships critical to maximizing earnings in this competitive market. To achieve the best outcomes, designers in Skokie should consider targeting specific industries or roles that leverage their skills effectively while building strong personal brands to command fair pay.
More salary data for Skokie, 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 $55,186 for graphic designersin the Skokie 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 Skokie 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