Graphic Designer Salary in Wisconsin: $62,813 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Wisconsin's 46 metropolitan areas, the average median graphic designer pay sits at $62,813/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 27-1024. Because Wisconsin sits at BEA RPP 93.4 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $67,252 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Kenosha ($66,810), Madison ($63,970), Waukesha ($62,558).
The projected average median salary for graphic designers in Wisconsin in 2026 is $62,813, which is 3.5% lower than the national median of $65,075. The highest paying city in the state is Kenosha, offering an average salary of $69,055, while Sheboygan provides the lowest at $55,236. This $13,819 difference can be attributed to factors such as local demand for design services, industry presence, and the cost of living in each area. As of 2026, there are approximately 3,439 graphic designers employed in Wisconsin, with the job market expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.36%. Major cities such as Madison ($66,119) and Waukesha ($64,660) provide competitive salaries, driven by a strong demand for creative talent across various industries, including technology and marketing. While Wisconsin does not have stringent licensing requirements for graphic designers, certain sectors may impose standards that affect hiring practices. The combination of the state’s educational institutions and a growing tech scene creates a favorable environment for graphic design professionals looking to advance their careers locally. Overall, the job outlook appears positive, with opportunities for growth in both established and emerging markets.
Wisconsin Graphic Designer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Wisconsin: $36,087 (lowest entry-level) to $100,223 (highest top earner)
Wisconsin vs National Average
Wisconsin graphic designers earn 3.48% less than the national median ($-2,262/year difference).
Wisconsin Graphic Designer Salary Distribution (2026)
Graphic Designer salaries in Wisconsin range from $45,015 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $89,474 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $62,813. The Wisconsin median is $2,262 below the US national median of $65,075. The average hourly rate is $30.20/hr. Approximately 3,439 graphic designers are employed across 46 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,997
2025 BLS Actual
$60,771
2026 Current Est.
$62,813
2019–2027 Growth
+35.3%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Wisconsin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,997 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,105 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,124 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,771 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,813 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,924 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wisconsin metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 26.6% from $47,997 (2019) to $60,771 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,924 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,927 (35.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
Lowest Paying Cities in Wisconsin
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Sheboygan | $55,236 |
| Wisconsin Rapids | $56,160 |
| Fond du Lac | $56,290 |
| Middleton | $56,630 |
| Wausau | $57,086 |
Best Value Cities for Graphic Designers in Wisconsin
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Wisconsin cities offer the most purchasing power for graphic designers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waukesha | $64,660 | 93.4 | $69,229 |
| Kenosha | $69,055 | 101.118 | $68,292 |
| Madison | $66,119 | 97.287 | $67,963 |
| Beloit | $62,882 | 93.4 | $67,325 |
| Appleton | $61,995 | 92.419 | $67,080 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Wisconsin
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $45,015 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $62,813 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $89,474 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Wisconsin metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 46 Cities in Wisconsin
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kenosha | $69,055 |
| 2 | Madison | $66,119 |
| 3 | Waukesha | $64,660 |
| 4 | Milwaukee | $63,856 |
| 5 | Beloit | $62,882 |
| 6 | Janesville | $62,740 |
| 7 | Racine | $62,006 |
| 8 | Appleton | $61,995 |
| 9 | Mount Pleasant | $61,914 |
| 10 | West Allis | $61,301 |
| 11 | Green Bay | $61,251 |
| 12 | Fitchburg | $60,895 |
| 13 | Greenfield | $60,889 |
| 14 | Oshkosh | $60,641 |
| 15 | Menomonee Falls | $60,362 |
| 16 | Brookfield | $60,220 |
| 17 | West Bend | $60,185 |
| 18 | De Pere | $60,138 |
| 19 | New Berlin | $60,024 |
| 20 | Sun Prairie | $59,516 |
| 21 | Caledonia | $59,354 |
| 22 | Onalaska | $59,317 |
| 23 | Muskego | $59,226 |
| 24 | Stevens Point | $58,950 |
| 25 | Franklin | $58,883 |
| 26 | Oak Creek | $58,698 |
| 27 | Superior | $58,608 |
| 28 | Manitowoc | $58,579 |
| 29 | La Crosse | $58,533 |
| 30 | Pewaukee | $58,361 |
| 31 | South Milwaukee | $58,191 |
| 32 | Pleasant Prairie | $58,181 |
| 33 | Menomonie | $58,121 |
| 34 | Eau Claire | $58,119 |
| 35 | Whitewater | $58,117 |
| 36 | Wauwatosa | $58,067 |
| 37 | Germantown | $58,025 |
| 38 | Marshfield | $58,003 |
| 39 | River Falls | $57,716 |
| 40 | Mequon | $57,242 |
| 41 | Platteville | $57,238 |
| 42 | Wausau | $57,086 |
| 43 | Middleton | $56,630 |
| 44 | Fond du Lac | $56,290 |
| 45 | Wisconsin Rapids | $56,160 |
| 46 | Sheboygan | $55,236 |
More Wisconsin Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced graphic designers.
Compare Cities in Wisconsin
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Wisconsin in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for graphic designers in Wisconsin?
How does Wisconsin graphic designer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in Wisconsin?
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Which Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. State averages are employment-weighted across 46 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