Graphic Designer Salary in Kentwood, MI: $58,755 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Kentwood, MI earns a median $58,755/year (≈ $28.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Kentwood's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $63,042 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $58,755 in 2026, Kentwood, MI, offers a competitive pay scale for graphic designers relative to some national benchmarks, despite being about 9.71% lower than the national median of $65,075. The local salary spectrum ranges from a lower threshold of $37,779 at the 10th percentile, rising to $91,070 for the top earners at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect both local market dynamics and regional cost adjustments. Graphic designers in Kentwood must weigh the advantages of in-house corporate positions against agency roles, as these choices impact salary potential and job stability within the industry.
About the Kentwood Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,779 | $18.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,998 | $22.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,755 | $28.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,207 | $36.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,070 | $43.78 |
Median Salary Position
9.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kentwood
In Kentwood, MI, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,291 (2026 est.). At $58,755, the local median is 9.71% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kentwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kentwood Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Kentwood median: $58,755/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kentwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $59,771 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -9.71% less |
Graphic Designers in Kentwood, MI earn a median of $58,755 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.71% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.70% below the Michigan state average of $59,771.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kentwood has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kentwood, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $58,755 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,042 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,049
2025 BLS Actual
$56,845
2026 Current Est.
$58,755
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Kentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,049 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,195 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,785 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,358 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,188 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,567 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,845 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,755 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,729 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kentwood metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $47,049 (2019) to $56,845 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,729 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,680 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kentwood 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) | $37,779 – $45,998 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,998 – $58,755 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,755 – $75,207 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,207 – $91,070 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Kentwood
The job market in Kentwood currently supports seven graphic designers, indicating a modest yet stable employment landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, designers should think critically about how their salaries translate to real purchasing power within the region. Employers in in-house corporate settings, such as banks and consumer packaged goods companies, generally offer more competitive rates, though jobs at leading advertising agencies can provide leverage for higher creative roles. The wide salary range often depends on specialty skills; those with expertise in motion graphics or brand identity may command higher pay than general graphic designers. To maximize their earnings, individuals should focus on building strong portfolios, exploring freelance opportunities for premium projects, and networking with top-tier agencies in the Kentwood area.
More salary data for Kentwood, MI:
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 $56,845 for graphic designersin the Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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