Graphic Designer Salary in Manhattan, KS: $51,473 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Manhattan, KS earns a median $51,473/year (≈ $24.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Manhattan's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.2), that paycheck buys what $57,089 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.0% below the Kansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Manhattan, Kansas, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $51,473, significantly lower than the national median of $65,075, reflecting the local market's distinct conditions. Salary ranges highlight the variability in compensation, with entry-level positions starting around $23,814, while experienced designers can expect earnings up to $81,210. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, underscore the importance of specialization in areas like motion graphics and brand identity, where designers can command premium pay. This dynamic illustrates the competitive nature of the job market in Manhattan, with opportunities that beckon for both traditional in-house roles and agency positions offering diverse creative challenges.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,814 | $11.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,031 | $19.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,473 | $24.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,559 | $31.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,210 | $39.05 |
Median Salary Position
20.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manhattan
In Manhattan, KS, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,396 (2026 est.). At $51,473, the local median is 20.9% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manhattan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manhattan Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Manhattan median: $51,473/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manhattan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $59,165 | -13.00% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -20.90% less |
Graphic Designers in Manhattan, KS earn a median of $51,473 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.90% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 13.00% below the Kansas state average of $59,165.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manhattan has a cost of living 9.84% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manhattan, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.162 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $51,473 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,089 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.91% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,640
2025 BLS Actual
$49,800
2026 Current Est.
$51,473
2019–2027 Growth
+21.9%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,640 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,473 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,203 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manhattan metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 14.1% from $43,640 (2019) to $49,800 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,203 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,563 (21.91%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manhattan 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) | $23,814 – $40,031 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,031 – $51,473 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,473 – $64,559 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,559 – $81,210 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Manhattan
Across Manhattan, there are currently 60 graphic designers operating within the area, suggesting a modest yet engaged local community. The cost-of-living index of 90.162 indicates that living expenses are below the national average, which might afford designers greater take-home purchasing power compared to similar markets. Leading employers likely include corporate brand teams from sectors like banking and consumer packaged goods (CPG), as they tend to offer higher compensation for creative roles. The salary disparity reflects factors such as specialty focus—where motion graphics and brand identity outpace general graphic design in pay—and the tier of agency, with top firms prepared to pay for high-caliber talent. To maximize graphic designer pay in Manhattan, professionals should develop a strong portfolio, target positions in firms with stability and budget for creative projects, and consider freelance work that leverages their specialty, enhancing both their marketability and income potential.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
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 $49,800 for graphic designersin the Manhattan 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