Graphic Designer Salary in Faribault, MN: $56,961 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Faribault, MN earns a median $56,961/year (≈ $27.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Faribault's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $57,828 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Faribault, Minnesota, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $56,961. This figure is notably below the national median of $65,075, indicating a regional disparity that can significantly impact earning potential. The salary range spans from $36,310 at the 10th percentile to $88,289 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diversity of opportunities available to designers in the area. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, reveal that the local job market offers a mix of in-house roles and agency positions. As Faribault's market develops, understanding the implications of agency versus corporate structures on compensation will be critical for aspiring graphic designers.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,310 | $17.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,067 | $21.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,961 | $27.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,910 | $35.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,289 | $42.45 |
Median Salary Position
12.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Faribault
In Faribault, MN, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,979 (2026 est.). At $56,961, the local median is 12.47% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Faribault: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Faribault Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Faribault median: $56,961/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Faribault Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $60,276 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -12.47% less |
Graphic Designers in Faribault, MN earn a median of $56,961 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.47% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.50% below the Minnesota state average of $60,276.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Faribault 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.
Faribault, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $56,961 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,828 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,612
2025 BLS Actual
$55,109
2026 Current Est.
$56,961
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,612 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,724 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,387 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,759 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,564 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,109 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,961 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,875 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Faribault metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $45,612 (2019) to $55,109 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,875 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,263 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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) | $36,310 – $44,067 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,067 – $56,961 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,961 – $72,910 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,910 – $88,289 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Faribault
While there are currently only six graphic designers employed in Faribault, the local job market is gradually evolving. The cost-of-living index of 98.5 suggests that while salaries may lag behind national averages, designers can maintain a reasonable quality of life. Among the various types of employers, in-house marketing teams within banks and consumer packaged goods firms tend to provide more stable pay compared to freelance and lower-tier agency work. This disparity is driven by the strategic choice an individual makes—those specializing in motion graphics or brand identity can command higher fees and salaries, often thriving in more competitive agency environments. To maximize earning potential in Faribault, designers should focus on building a robust portfolio, pursuing niche specializations, and considering contract roles that allow for higher day rates, especially as they gain experience.
More salary data for Faribault, 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 $55,109 for graphic designersin the Faribault 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 Faribault 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