Graphic Designer Salary in Springfield, IL: $57,075 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Springfield, IL earns a median $57,075/year (≈ $27.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Springfield's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $61,540 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the graphic designer salary in Springfield, Illinois is projected to reach a median annual figure of $57,075. This places local pay slightly behind the national median of $65,075, reflecting a 12.29% disparity. Graphic designers in Springfield can expect to earn between $32,248 at the lower end (P10) and as much as $88,745 at the upper echelon (P90). Insights derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) suggest that the choice between agency work and in-house corporate positions significantly impacts earnings potential. In-house roles tend to offer more stable pay and benefits but may restrict artistic scope, whereas agency positions, while arguably offering lower starting salaries, provide broader project variety and higher advancement potential.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,248 | $15.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,706 | $20.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,075 | $27.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,125 | $34.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,745 | $42.67 |
Median Salary Position
12.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Springfield
In Springfield, IL, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,497 (2026 est.). At $57,075, the local median is 12.29% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Springfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Springfield Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Springfield median: $57,075/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Springfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $58,359 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -12.29% less |
Graphic Designers in Springfield, IL earn a median of $57,075 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.29% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.20% below the Illinois state average of $58,359.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Springfield has a cost of living 7.25% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Springfield, IL has a cost-of-living index of 92.745 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $57,075 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,540 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.82% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,770
2025 BLS Actual
$55,220
2026 Current Est.
$57,075
2019–2027 Growth
+37.9%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,200 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,540 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,075 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,993 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Springfield metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 29.1% from $42,770 (2019) to $55,220 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,993 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,223 (37.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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) | $32,248 – $41,706 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,706 – $57,075 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,075 – $72,125 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,125 – $88,745 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Springfield
With around 100 graphic designers employed in Springfield, the local market remains reasonably robust. The cost of living index is at 92.745, suggesting that although salaries are lower than the national average, the purchasing power remains favorable relative to expenses. Among local employers, in-house corporate marketing teams in sectors such as banking, consumer packaged goods, and technology typically offer the highest pay. The notable salary differences between roles can be attributed to several factors, including specialties that command higher fees, such as motion graphics or brand identity design. Additionally, agency tier and portfolio strength affect compensation, with established agencies often willing to pay a premium for top talent. For those seeking to maximize their pay in Springfield, focusing on building a strong portfolio and pursuing specialized skills can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Springfield, 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 $55,220 for graphic designersin the Springfield 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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