Graphic Designer Salary in Kentucky: $57,392 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Kentucky's 21 metropolitan areas, the average median graphic designer pay sits at $57,392/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 27-1024. Because Kentucky sits at BEA RPP 89.3 (11% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $64,269 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Lexington ($58,880), Louisville/Jefferson County ($57,340), Louisville ($52,920).
In Kentucky, the average median salary for graphic designers is projected to be $57,393 in 2026, which is approximately 11.8% lower than the national median of $65,075. The highest paying city in the state is Lexington, with a median salary of $60,858, while Ashland has the lowest at $41,235. This salary disparity of $19,623 can be attributed to factors such as demand for skilled designers, local industry presence, and the cost of living in different areas. Kentucky has no state licensing requirements specific to graphic design, but professionals must stay updated on the latest design software and trends to remain competitive. The state is seeing a growth rate of 3.36% for graphic design jobs, indicating a steady demand for creative services as businesses expand their digital presence. The overall job market for graphic designers in Kentucky, with a total employment figure of 1,614, appears stable. Major markets like Louisville/Jefferson County and Independence offer median salaries of $59,267 and $49,773 respectively, further demonstrating the regional variances in compensation. Understanding these dynamics can aid aspiring graphic designers in making informed career decisions within the state.
Kentucky Graphic Designer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Kentucky: $26,606 (lowest entry-level) to $99,329 (highest top earner)
Kentucky vs National Average
Kentucky graphic designers earn 11.81% less than the national median ($-7,683/year difference).
Kentucky Graphic Designer Salary Distribution (2026)
Graphic Designer salaries in Kentucky range from $34,725 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $88,398 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $57,392. The Kentucky median is $7,683 below the US national median of $65,075. The average hourly rate is $27.59/hr. Approximately 1,614 graphic designers are employed across 21 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,826
2025 BLS Actual
$55,527
2026 Current Est.
$57,392
2019–2027 Growth
+41.8%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Kentucky (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,826 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,458 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,783 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,264 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,778 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,527 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,392 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,321 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kentucky metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 32.8% from $41,826 (2019) to $55,527 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,321 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,495 (41.83%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kentucky 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 Kentucky
Lowest Paying Cities in Kentucky
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Ashland | $41,235 |
| Owensboro | $46,460 |
| Murray | $46,924 |
| Jeffersontown | $47,628 |
| Paducah | $47,686 |
Best Value Cities for Graphic Designers in Kentucky
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Kentucky cities offer the most purchasing power for graphic designers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington | $60,858 | 92.889 | $65,517 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $59,267 | 93.074 | $63,677 |
| Louisville | $54,698 | 89.3 | $61,252 |
| Independence | $49,773 | 89.3 | $55,737 |
| Florence | $49,715 | 89.3 | $55,672 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $34,725 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $57,392 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $88,398 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Kentucky metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 21 Cities in Kentucky
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexington | $60,858 |
| 2 | Louisville/Jefferson County | $59,267 |
| 3 | Louisville | $54,698 |
| 4 | Elizabethtown | $50,171 |
| 5 | Independence | $49,773 |
| 6 | Florence | $49,715 |
| 7 | Covington | $49,505 |
| 8 | Nicholasville | $49,411 |
| 9 | Richmond | $49,400 |
| 10 | Bowling Green | $49,251 |
| 11 | Frankfort | $49,147 |
| 12 | Henderson | $49,065 |
| 13 | Hopkinsville | $48,889 |
| 14 | Radcliff | $48,143 |
| 15 | Georgetown | $47,975 |
| 16 | Madisonville | $47,797 |
| 17 | Paducah | $47,686 |
| 18 | Jeffersontown | $47,628 |
| 19 | Murray | $46,924 |
| 20 | Owensboro | $46,460 |
| 21 | Ashland | $41,235 |
More Kentucky Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore graphic designer hourly pay in Kentucky cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new graphic designers.
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 Kentucky in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for graphic designers in Kentucky?
How does Kentucky graphic designer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in Kentucky?
How many graphic designers are employed in Kentucky?
Which Kentucky 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 Kentucky. State averages are employment-weighted across 21 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