Graphic Designer Salary in Mankato, MN: $55,969 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Mankato, MN earns a median $55,969/year (≈ $26.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Mankato's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.0), that paycheck buys what $61,535 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a median annual graphic designer salary in Mankato, Minnesota expected to reach $55,969 in 2026, professionals in this field can expect a range between $40,031 at the 10th percentile and $89,282 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys projected to 2026, indicates a solid earning potential, especially for those specializing in motion graphics or brand identity. These specialties often command a premium due to their demand in Mankato’s growing marketing scene. Additionally, the overall compensation range highlights the diverse opportunities available within the local creative market, where employers seek varied skill sets for both in-house and agency roles.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,031 | $19.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,339 | $22.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,969 | $26.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,647 | $33.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,282 | $42.93 |
Median Salary Position
13.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mankato
In Mankato, MN, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,251 (2026 est.). At $55,969, the local median is 13.99% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mankato: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mankato Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Mankato median: $55,969/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mankato Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $60,312 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -13.99% less |
Graphic Designers in Mankato, MN earn a median of $55,969 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.99% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.20% below the Minnesota state average of $60,312.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mankato has a cost of living 9.05% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mankato, MN has a cost-of-living index of 90.955 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $55,969 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,535 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.94% 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
$41,570
2025 BLS Actual
$54,150
2026 Current Est.
$55,969
2019–2027 Growth
+39.2%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Mankato (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,969 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,850 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mankato metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 30.3% from $41,570 (2019) to $54,150 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,850 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,280 (39.16%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mankato 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) | $40,031 – $47,339 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,339 – $55,969 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,969 – $70,647 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,647 – $89,282 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Mankato
The Mankato area employs around 120 graphic designers, contributing to a competitive job market. With a cost of living index at 90.955, the financial reality for designers allows for reasonable purchasing power compared to national levels. Employers in sectors like corporate marketing, particularly in banking and consumer packaged goods, tend to offer some of the highest salaries. Differences in compensation can arise from several factors, including specialty expertise and the strength of one's portfolio. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Mankato, pursuing roles in branding or developing a robust freelance portfolio that targets higher-end clients can prove effective. Understanding this local dynamic is essential for individuals looking to determine how much graphic designers make in Mankato and optimize their career paths accordingly.
More salary data for Mankato, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Mankato, MN in 2026?
Is Mankato, MN a good place to work as a graphic designer?
Can graphic designers make $100K in Mankato?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Mankato?
How much does a graphic designer make per hour in Mankato?
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 $54,150 for graphic designersin the Mankato 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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