Graphic Designer Salary in Yankton, SD: $58,050 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Yankton, SD earns a median $58,050/year (≈ $27.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Yankton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $62,554 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Yankton, South Dakota, can anticipate a median annual salary of $58,050. This figure reflects a competitive position within the local market, where salaries range from $38,752 at the lower end to $89,393 at the high end. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price parity, indicate a slightly lower earning potential compared to the national median of $65,075, underscoring how the choice between agency or in-house roles significantly influences compensation in the area. The scarcity of dedicated design agencies means that professionals may find more stable opportunities with local corporate marketing teams or brand departments, albeit generally with narrower responsibilities.
About the Yankton Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,752 | $18.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,179 | $22.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,050 | $27.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,450 | $34.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,393 | $42.98 |
Median Salary Position
10.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Yankton
In Yankton, SD, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,641 (2026 est.). At $58,050, the local median is 10.8% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Yankton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Yankton Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Yankton median: $58,050/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Yankton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $60,406 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -10.80% less |
Graphic Designers in Yankton, SD earn a median of $58,050 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $60,406.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Yankton has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Yankton, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $58,050 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,554 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,484
2025 BLS Actual
$56,163
2026 Current Est.
$58,050
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Yankton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,484 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,617 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,235 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,818 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,163 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,050 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,001 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Yankton metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $46,484 (2019) to $56,163 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,001 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,517 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yankton 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) | $38,752 – $46,179 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,179 – $58,050 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,050 – $72,450 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,450 – $89,393 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Yankton
In Yankton, the job market for graphic designers is relatively modest, with only four professionals currently employed in this field. The cost of living index below the national average at 92.8 suggests that while salaries may be lower than national standards, the purchasing power remains favorable for residents. Local employment settings, such as corporate marketing teams in banks and retailers, generally offer competitive pay, while specialized positions in motion graphics or brand identity within larger agencies can command higher rates. To optimize pay in Yankton, designers should focus on building a diverse portfolio that highlights specialized skills, such as animation and branding, potentially seeking freelance opportunities that leverage their strengths. Engaging with marketing teams at local corporations and pursuing skills in high-demand areas can also aid in achieving better compensation within the graphic designer pay structure in Yankton, SD.
More salary data for Yankton, SD:
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 $56,163 for graphic designersin the Yankton 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 Yankton 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