Graphic Designer Salary in Kalispell, MT: $57,439 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Kalispell, MT earns a median $57,439/year (≈ $27.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Kalispell's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $59,708 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kalispell, Montana, graphic designers can expect to see a median annual salary of $57,439 in 2026, a figure that falls 11.73% below the national average of $65,075. Salaries in the area range significantly, with the lowest earners making approximately $37,429 while top-tier professionals can reach up to $87,717. This compensation landscape is shaped by local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations. Given the area's relatively modest pool of graphic designers, only four individuals are currently employed in this role, indicating a tight market and potential for competitive advantages for those with specialized skills in motion graphics or brand identity.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,429 | $17.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,210 | $21.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,439 | $27.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,234 | $34.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,717 | $42.17 |
Median Salary Position
11.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kalispell
In Kalispell, MT, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,288 (2026 est.). At $57,439, the local median is 11.73% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kalispell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kalispell Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Kalispell median: $57,439/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kalispell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $60,146 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -11.73% less |
Graphic Designers in Kalispell, MT earn a median of $57,439 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.73% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $60,146.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kalispell has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kalispell, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $57,439 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,708 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,995
2025 BLS Actual
$55,572
2026 Current Est.
$57,439
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,995 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,116 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,759 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,185 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,997 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,928 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,572 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,439 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,369 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kalispell metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $45,995 (2019) to $55,572 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,369 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,374 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell 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) | $37,429 – $45,210 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,210 – $57,439 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,439 – $71,234 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,234 – $87,717 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Kalispell
While the salary figures paint a picture of potential, it's essential to consider Kalispell's cost of living index, which sits at 96.2, slightly below the national average. This means that while graphic designer pay in Kalispell MT may not match larger metropolitan areas, the local cost structure can make compensation more viable. Employment opportunities in corporate marketing or brand teams tend to offer higher pay, particularly in sectors like finance and consumer packaged goods. The disparity between higher and lower salaries often stems from the type of employer, the level of specialization, and the strength of one's portfolio. For designers eager to maximize earnings, focusing on niche markets such as motion graphics or seeking roles in well-established advertising and digital agencies may prove advantageous, as these sectors frequently demand premium pay for qualified creative professionals.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
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 $55,572 for graphic designersin the Kalispell 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 Kalispell 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