Graphic Designer Salary in Austin, MN: $57,034 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Austin, MN earns a median $57,034/year (≈ $27.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Austin's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $57,903 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Austin, Minnesota, can expect a median annual salary of $57,034 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $65,075. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, from $35,172 at the 10th percentile to $88,403 at the 90th percentile. These figures, which are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors, indicate a competitive but challenging job market. In-house corporate roles generally offer more stability and benefits, while positions within agencies may come with a broader range of projects but often start with lower salaries. For graphic designers in Austin, the choice between agency and in-house work might significantly influence income potential and project variety.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,172 | $16.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,569 | $20.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,034 | $27.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,476 | $34.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,403 | $42.50 |
Median Salary Position
12.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Austin
In Austin, MN, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,231 (2026 est.). At $57,034, the local median is 12.36% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Austin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Austin Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Austin median: $57,034/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Austin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $60,290 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -12.36% less |
Graphic Designers in Austin, MN earn a median of $57,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.36% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.40% below the Minnesota state average of $60,290.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Austin has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Austin, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $57,034 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,903 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$45,671
2025 BLS Actual
$55,180
2026 Current Est.
$57,034
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,671 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,784 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,444 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,824 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,557 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,034 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,950 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Austin metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $45,671 (2019) to $55,180 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,950 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,279 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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) | $35,172 – $43,569 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,569 – $57,034 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,034 – $72,476 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,476 – $88,403 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Austin
In Austin, there are currently four graphic designers employed, illustrating a niche market for this profession. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, the financial landscape allows for some purchasing power, although lower than the national average. Employers that tend to pay more in Austin include corporate marketing teams in sectors like banking, CPG, and technology, as well as reputable advertising agencies. Compensation disparities are influenced by various factors, such as specialization in motion graphics or brand identity, as these niches typically command higher pay. The market also reflects how top-tier agencies may offer premium salaries for positions like creative directors, while in-house roles in certain industries, particularly CPG and finance, generally pay better than those in retail. To enhance earnings, designers should consider developing specialized skills, building a strong portfolio, and, for freelancers, positioning themselves for high-value projects rather than competing on price alone.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Austin, MN in 2026?
Is Austin, MN a good place to work as a graphic designer?
Can graphic designers make $100K in Austin?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Austin?
How much does a graphic designer make per hour in Austin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 $55,180 for graphic designersin the Austin 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 Austin 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