Graphic Designer Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $60,486 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Cedar Rapids, IA earns a median $60,486/year (≈ $29.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Cedar Rapids's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.0), that paycheck buys what $67,990 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.0% above the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cedar Rapids, IA, graphic designers can expect a median annual salary of $60,486 according to 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, a figure that falls below the national average of $65,075. Designers in this area see salaries ranging from $41,520 at the 10th percentile to $78,905 for those at the 90th percentile. Those contemplating a career in design should consider the implications of whether to work in-house or at an agency, as the pay structures vary significantly. In-house positions often provide greater stability and benefits with a narrower scope of work, while agency roles might start at a lower base but typically offer a broader array of projects and a higher potential for creative development. This dynamic underpins the graphic designer salary in Cedar Rapids, reflecting the competitive nature of the local market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,520 | $19.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,310 | $23.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,486 | $29.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,745 | $33.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,905 | $37.93 |
Median Salary Position
7.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Rapids
In Cedar Rapids, IA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,385 (2026 est.). At $60,486, the local median is 7.05% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cedar Rapids: You'd be above the median
How Cedar Rapids Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Cedar Rapids median: $60,486/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cedar Rapids Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $53,528 | +13.00% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -7.05% less |
Graphic Designers in Cedar Rapids, IA earn a median of $60,486 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.05% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 13.00% above the Iowa state average of $53,528.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living 11.04% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cedar Rapids, IA has a cost-of-living index of 88.963 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $60,486 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,990 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,730
2025 BLS Actual
$58,520
2026 Current Est.
$60,486
2019–2027 Growth
+36.7%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,860 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,520 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,486 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,519 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 28.0% from $45,730 (2019) to $58,520 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,519 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,789 (36.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids 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) | $41,520 – $48,310 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,310 – $60,486 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,486 – $68,745 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,745 – $78,905 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Cedar Rapids
Within Cedar Rapids, the job market features approximately 200 graphic designers, which contributes to a diverse professional environment. The cost of living index at 88.963 is below the national average, indicating a favorable purchasing power for designers earning local salaries. Among the highest-paying employers are in-house corporate teams within industries like finance and consumer packaged goods, while advertising agencies and digital firms also provide competitive compensation. The difference between the lowest and highest salaries often corresponds to specialized skills, such as motion graphics or brand identity design, alongside the employer type. Agencies tend to offer enticing pay rates for experienced directors, while freelance designers may find their income varies widely based on project scope and reputation. To maximize salary potential in Cedar Rapids, aspiring graphic designers may benefit from developing specialized skills, expanding their portfolios, and strategically selecting employers that align with their career goals.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
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 $58,520 for graphic designersin the Cedar Rapids 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