Graphic Designer Salary in Richmond, KY: $49,400 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Richmond, KY earns a median $49,400/year (≈ $23.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $55,319 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richmond, Kentucky, the projected salary for graphic designers in 2026 stands at $49,400, a figure notably lower than the national median of $65,075. The local market presents a salary range from $31,136 at the 10th percentile to $76,570 at the 90th percentile. This disparity reflects both local demand and cost of living adjustments, with salaries estimated based on 2025 BLS data. For those entering this field or contemplating a freelance path, understanding how graphic designer pay in Richmond KY aligns with project-based versus day rate compensation can influence career choices, particularly as the area sees a mix of in-house and freelance opportunities.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,136 | $14.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,233 | $18.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,400 | $23.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,232 | $30.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,570 | $36.82 |
Median Salary Position
24.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, KY, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,434 (2026 est.). At $49,400, the local median is 24.09% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richmond Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Richmond median: $49,400/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $50,152 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -24.09% less |
Graphic Designers in Richmond, KY earn a median of $49,400 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.09% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $50,152.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richmond, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $49,400 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,319 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,558
2025 BLS Actual
$47,794
2026 Current Est.
$49,400
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,558 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,522 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,495 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,021 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,205 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,794 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,400 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,060 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $39,558 (2019) to $47,794 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,060 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,502 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $31,136 – $38,233 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,233 – $49,400 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,400 – $63,232 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,232 – $76,570 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Richmond
The job landscape for graphic designers in Richmond is relatively modest, with only five professionals employed in the area, but it offers specific insights into potential earnings. With a cost of living index at 89.3, graphic designers might find their take-home earnings stretch further than in higher-cost cities, even if the pay is lower. The highest salaries in Richmond typically come from in-house corporate marketing roles for sectors like consumer packaged goods and finance, where companies seek specialized skills in brand identity or motion graphics. To maximize earnings, designers should focus on cultivating a strong portfolio and consider the potential of freelance work—balancing the stability of in-house positions against the higher creative potential often found in agency settings. Gaining experience with leading firms can also bolster a graphic designer's pay in Richmond, as premium agencies may offer more substantial compensation for established talents.
More salary data for Richmond, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Richmond, KY in 2026?
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Can graphic designers make $100K in Richmond?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Richmond?
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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 $47,794 for graphic designersin the Richmond 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 Richmond 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