Graphic Designer Salary in Bloomington, MN: $66,612 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Bloomington, MN earns a median $66,612/year (≈ $32.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Bloomington's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $67,626 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.5% above the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bloomington, Minnesota, the prevailing compensation for graphic designers reveals a dynamic range influenced by employment structure, with a 2026 median salary of $66,612, slightly ahead of the national average of $65,075. Salaries for graphic designers oscillate between $42,763 at the lower end and can soar to $103,249 for top earners. These figures are derived from state-level BLS estimates, reflecting cost adjustments specific to the region. Positions within established agencies often present higher earning potential than in-house roles, primarily due to the broader project scope and creative opportunities that agencies can offer, driving demand for specialized skills in areas like motion graphics and brand identity.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,763 | $20.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,692 | $24.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,612 | $32.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,264 | $40.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,249 | $49.64 |
Median Salary Position
2.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
In Bloomington, MN, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,486 (2026 est.). At $66,612, the local median is 2.36% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bloomington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bloomington Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Bloomington median: $66,612/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bloomington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $60,283 | +10.50% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | +2.36% more |
Graphic Designers in Bloomington, MN earn a median of $66,612 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.36% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 10.50% above the Minnesota state average of $60,283.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bloomington 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.
Bloomington, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $66,612 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,626 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,341
2025 BLS Actual
$64,447
2026 Current Est.
$66,612
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,341 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,641 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,908 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,301 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,262 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,447 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,612 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,851 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bloomington metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $53,341 (2019) to $64,447 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,851 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,510 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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) | $42,763 – $50,692 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,692 – $66,612 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,612 – $85,264 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,264 – $103,249 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Bloomington
With 18 graphic designers currently employed in Bloomington, the local market maintains a competitive atmosphere for designers. The cost of living index stands at 98.5, suggesting that take-home pay stretches further than in higher cost areas, thus enhancing purchasing power. Companies that typically offer higher salaries include in-house corporate marketing teams, particularly in sectors like finance and consumer goods, and top-tier advertising agencies known for premium brand work. Factors contributing to the salary range include specialization in areas such as motion graphics, the prestige of the agency, and the designer's portfolio strength. For those aiming to maximize their earning potential in graphic design pay in Bloomington, enhancing specialty skills, building a strong portfolio, and considering freelance options for high-end projects can lead to substantial financial rewards.
More salary data for Bloomington, MN:
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 $64,447 for graphic designersin the Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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