Graphic Designer Salary in Iowa: $56,087 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Iowa's 26 metropolitan areas, the average median graphic designer pay sits at $56,087/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 27-1024. Because Iowa sits at BEA RPP 90.4 (10% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $62,043 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Cedar Rapids ($58,520), Ames ($57,060), Des Moines ($56,520).
In 2026, the average median salary for graphic designers in Iowa is projected to be $56,087, which is notably lower than the national median of $65,075, creating a salary gap of 13.8%. The highest-paying city in Iowa is Cedar Rapids at $60,486, while the lowest is Sioux City at $48,858. This disparity in salaries can be attributed to various factors including demand for design services, local industry concentration, and cost of living variations across different areas. Iowa does not have state licensing requirements for graphic designers, which allows for a wider range of practice, though some specialized areas may necessitate certifications. The job market for graphic designers in Iowa is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.36%, indicating a steady demand for creative professionals. Major cities like Ames, Des Moines, West Des Moines, and Davenport offer competitive salaries ranging from $54,264 to $58,977, reflecting their respective industry hubs and local economic conditions. Overall, while salaries in Iowa may trail the national average, the state offers growth opportunities for graphic designers, especially in urban centers where demand for design work continues to rise.
Iowa Graphic Designer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Iowa: $32,030 (lowest entry-level) to $89,381 (highest top earner)
Iowa vs National Average
Iowa graphic designers earn 13.81% less than the national median ($-8,988/year difference).
Iowa Graphic Designer Salary Distribution (2026)
Graphic Designer salaries in Iowa range from $38,813 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $79,827 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $56,087. The Iowa median is $8,988 below the US national median of $65,075. The average hourly rate is $26.97/hr. Approximately 1,756 graphic designers are employed across 26 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,248
2025 BLS Actual
$54,264
2026 Current Est.
$56,087
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Iowa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,248 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,839 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,431 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,808 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,754 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,423 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,264 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,087 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,972 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Iowa metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 17.3% from $46,248 (2019) to $54,264 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,972 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,724 (25.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Iowa 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Iowa
Lowest Paying Cities in Iowa
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Sioux City | $48,858 |
| Fort Dodge | $49,127 |
| Johnston | $49,675 |
| Ottumwa | $49,796 |
| Muscatine | $49,985 |
Best Value Cities for Graphic Designers in Iowa
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Iowa cities offer the most purchasing power for graphic designers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids | $60,486 | 88.963 | $67,990 |
| Ames | $58,977 | 88.83 | $66,393 |
| West Des Moines | $57,665 | 90.4 | $63,789 |
| Des Moines | $58,419 | 91.701 | $63,706 |
| Davenport | $54,264 | 89.079 | $60,917 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $38,813 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $56,087 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $79,827 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Iowa metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 26 Cities in Iowa
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cedar Rapids | $60,486 |
| 2 | Ames | $58,977 |
| 3 | Des Moines | $58,419 |
| 4 | West Des Moines | $57,665 |
| 5 | Davenport | $54,264 |
| 6 | Cedar Falls | $53,901 |
| 7 | Waterloo | $52,776 |
| 8 | Marion | $52,627 |
| 9 | Ankeny | $52,012 |
| 10 | Council Bluffs | $51,685 |
| 11 | Burlington | $51,390 |
| 12 | Waukee | $51,205 |
| 13 | Urbandale | $51,135 |
| 14 | Bettendorf | $51,131 |
| 15 | Iowa City | $51,008 |
| 16 | Marshalltown | $50,973 |
| 17 | Coralville | $50,906 |
| 18 | Mason City | $50,670 |
| 19 | North Liberty | $50,472 |
| 20 | Dubuque | $50,254 |
| 21 | Clinton | $50,222 |
| 22 | Muscatine | $49,985 |
| 23 | Ottumwa | $49,796 |
| 24 | Johnston | $49,675 |
| 25 | Fort Dodge | $49,127 |
| 26 | Sioux City | $48,858 |
More Iowa Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced graphic designers.
Explore More Graphic Designer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Iowa in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for graphic designers in Iowa?
How does Iowa graphic designer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in Iowa?
How many graphic designers are employed in Iowa?
Which Iowa city offers the best value for graphic designers?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 graphic designer compensation across Iowa. State averages are employment-weighted across 26 metro areas — larger metro areas with more graphic designerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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