Graphic Designer Salary in Muscatine, IA: $49,985 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Muscatine, IA earns a median $49,985/year (≈ $24.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Muscatine's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $55,293 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muscatine, Iowa, graphic designers earn a median annual salary of $49,985 in 2026, significantly lower than the national average of $65,075. This field presents a salary range from $35,097 at the 10th percentile to $77,477 at the 90th percentile. These figures come from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local living costs. The choice between agency work and in-house corporate roles influences compensation, with agencies typically offering a broader creative environment but potentially lower starting salaries compared to in-house positions, which often provide more stability and benefits for the same design output.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,097 | $16.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,060 | $19.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,985 | $24.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,641 | $30.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,477 | $37.25 |
Median Salary Position
23.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muscatine
In Muscatine, IA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,380 (2026 est.). At $49,985, the local median is 23.19% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Muscatine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muscatine Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Muscatine median: $49,985/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muscatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $53,517 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -23.19% less |
Graphic Designers in Muscatine, IA earn a median of $49,985 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.19% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $53,517.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muscatine has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Muscatine, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $49,985 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,293 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,026
2025 BLS Actual
$48,360
2026 Current Est.
$49,985
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,026 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,002 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,951 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,543 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,249 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,903 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,985 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,664 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muscatine metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $40,026 (2019) to $48,360 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,664 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,638 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muscatine 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) | $35,097 – $41,060 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,060 – $49,985 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,985 – $63,641 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,641 – $77,477 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Muscatine
There are currently five graphic designers employed in Muscatine, reflecting a tight job market for this role. The cost of living index in the area stands at 90.4, indicating a relatively affordable environment that positively affects take-home pay. Among local employers, in-house corporate teams, particularly in sectors like finance or consumer packaged goods, often pay higher salaries compared to advertising agencies. The disparity in compensation can stem from various factors, including specialty skills such as motion graphics and brand identity, which command higher rates. To enhance earning potential in Muscatine, designers should focus on building a robust portfolio, seek roles in high-paying corporate environments, or capitalize on freelance opportunities that allow for premium project rates. Understanding these dynamics can significantly impact one’s graphic designer pay in Muscatine, IA.
More salary data for Muscatine, 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 $48,360 for graphic designersin the Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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