Graphic Designer Salary in Nebraska: $59,415 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Nebraska's 13 metropolitan areas, the average median graphic designer pay sits at $59,415/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 27-1024. Because Nebraska sits at BEA RPP 91.5 (8% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $64,934 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Omaha ($58,020), Lincoln ($56,510), Hastings ($56,204).
In 2026, graphic designers in Nebraska can expect an average median salary of $59,414, which is approximately 8.7% lower than the national median of $65,075. Omaha leads as the highest paying city at $59,969, while North Platte has the lowest at $55,369, creating a wage gap of $4,600. This difference can be attributed to factors such as the concentration of businesses, the demand for design skills, and the cost of living in each city. There are no specific state licensing requirements for graphic designers in Nebraska, allowing for broader opportunities within the field. Demand for skilled designers is driven by the growth of local businesses needing branding and marketing materials, especially in urban areas like Omaha and Lincoln, where salaries are projected at $58,409. The job market for graphic designers shows a positive outlook, with a projected growth rate of 3.36% annually. With a total of 1,442 graphic designers employed across 13 metro areas, professionals in the industry will find ample opportunities, particularly in larger cities, making Nebraska a viable state for those pursuing a career in graphic design.
Nebraska Graphic Designer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Nebraska: $35,258 (lowest entry-level) to $90,043 (highest top earner)
Nebraska vs National Average
Nebraska graphic designers earn 8.7% less than the national median ($-5,660/year difference).
Nebraska Graphic Designer Salary Distribution (2026)
Graphic Designer salaries in Nebraska range from $38,119 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $82,800 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $59,415. The Nebraska median is $5,660 below the US national median of $65,075. The average hourly rate is $28.57/hr. Approximately 1,442 graphic designers are employed across 13 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,099
2025 BLS Actual
$57,483
2026 Current Est.
$59,415
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Nebraska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,099 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,811 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,627 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,186 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,454 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,483 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,415 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,411 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nebraska metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 22.0% from $47,099 (2019) to $57,483 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,411 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,312 (30.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nebraska 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 Nebraska
Lowest Paying Cities in Nebraska
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| North Platte | $55,369 |
| Papillion | $55,386 |
| La Vista | $55,444 |
| Norfolk | $55,454 |
| Columbus | $55,601 |
Best Value Cities for Graphic Designers in Nebraska
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Nebraska cities offer the most purchasing power for graphic designers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Island | $57,665 | 86.657 | $66,544 |
| Omaha | $59,969 | 91.911 | $65,247 |
| Lincoln | $58,409 | 91.581 | $63,779 |
| Hastings | $58,092 | 91.5 | $63,489 |
| Fremont | $57,778 | 91.5 | $63,145 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Nebraska
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $38,119 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $59,415 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $82,800 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Nebraska metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 13 Cities in Nebraska
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Omaha | $59,969 |
| 2 | Lincoln | $58,409 |
| 3 | Hastings | $58,092 |
| 4 | Fremont | $57,778 |
| 5 | Grand Island | $57,665 |
| 6 | Bellevue | $57,658 |
| 7 | Kearney | $57,339 |
| 8 | Scottsbluff | $57,142 |
| 9 | Columbus | $55,601 |
| 10 | Norfolk | $55,454 |
| 11 | La Vista | $55,444 |
| 12 | Papillion | $55,386 |
| 13 | North Platte | $55,369 |
More Nebraska 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 Nebraska in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for graphic designers in Nebraska?
How does Nebraska graphic designer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in Nebraska?
How many graphic designers are employed in Nebraska?
Which Nebraska 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 Nebraska. State averages are employment-weighted across 13 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