Graphic Designer Salary in Montana: $60,023 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Montana's 7 metropolitan areas, the average median graphic designer pay sits at $60,023/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 27-1024. Because Montana sits at BEA RPP 96.2 (4% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $62,394 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Helena ($63,690), Missoula ($61,930), Bozeman ($58,200).
In Montana, graphic designers earn an average median salary of $60,023 in 2026, which is approximately 7.8% lower than the national median of $65,075. The highest paying city is Helena, where designers can expect to make $65,830, while the lowest is Great Falls at $50,801, reflecting a notable salary gap of $14,999. This difference is influenced by various factors, including the local economy, cost of living, and demand for design services in each city. The graphic design field in Montana is supported by a growth rate of 3.36% annually, indicating a stable job market. Currently, there are 371 graphic designers employed across seven metro areas, with projected salaries in other cities such as Missoula at $64,011, Bozeman at $60,156, Billings at $58,967, and Butte at $58,460. While there are no strict state licensing requirements for graphic designers, staying updated on software and design trends is essential for professionals in this field. The demand for graphic design is driven by diverse industries needing branding, marketing, and digital content, fostering opportunities for growth and career progression in Montana's employment landscape.
Montana Graphic Designer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Montana: $35,820 (lowest entry-level) to $110,326 (highest top earner)
Montana vs National Average
Montana graphic designers earn 7.76% less than the national median ($-5,052/year difference).
Montana Graphic Designer Salary Distribution (2026)
Graphic Designer salaries in Montana range from $39,987 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $102,199 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $60,023. The Montana median is $5,052 below the US national median of $65,075. The average hourly rate is $28.86/hr. Approximately 371 graphic designers are employed across 7 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,318
2025 BLS Actual
$58,072
2026 Current Est.
$60,023
2019–2027 Growth
+61.9%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Montana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,318 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,455 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,493 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,877 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,245 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,934 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,072 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,023 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,040 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montana metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 51.6% from $38,318 (2019) to $58,072 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,040 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,722 (61.91%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montana 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Montana
Lowest Paying Cities in Montana
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Great Falls | $50,801 |
| Kalispell | $57,439 |
| Butte | $58,460 |
| Billings | $58,967 |
| Bozeman | $60,156 |
Best Value Cities for Graphic Designers in Montana
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Montana cities offer the most purchasing power for graphic designers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helena | $65,830 | 95.675 | $68,806 |
| Missoula | $64,011 | 96.445 | $66,370 |
| Billings | $58,967 | 93.526 | $63,049 |
| Butte | $58,460 | 96.2 | $60,769 |
| Kalispell | $57,439 | 96.2 | $59,708 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $39,987 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $60,023 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $102,199 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Montana metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 7 Cities in Montana
More Montana Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced graphic designers.
Explore More Graphic Designer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Montana in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for graphic designers in Montana?
How does Montana graphic designer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in Montana?
How many graphic designers are employed in Montana?
Which Montana city offers the best value for graphic designers?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 graphic designer compensation across Montana. State averages are employment-weighted across 7 metro areas — larger metro areas with more graphic designerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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