Graphic Designer Salary in Milwaukee, WI: $63,856 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Milwaukee, WI earns a median $63,856/year (≈ $30.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Milwaukee's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 96.9), that paycheck buys what $65,874 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% above the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Milwaukee can anticipate a median annual salary of $63,856, reflecting a 1.87% decrease compared to the national median of $65,075. Salary range projections are broad, with the lower 10% earning approximately $45,644 and the upper 90% reaching as high as $90,202. This information is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and indicates the potential for significant growth in earnings, particularly for those specializing in areas like motion graphics and brand identity. The Milwaukee job market offers various opportunities, making it an appealing locale for emerging talent.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,644 | $21.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,791 | $24.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,856 | $30.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,016 | $37.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,202 | $43.37 |
Median Salary Position
1.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Milwaukee
In Milwaukee, WI, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,558 (2026 est.). At $63,856, the local median is 1.87% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Milwaukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Milwaukee Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Milwaukee median: $63,856/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Milwaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $61,223 | +4.30% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -1.87% less |
Graphic Designers in Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $63,856 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.87% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 4.30% above the Wisconsin state average of $61,223.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Milwaukee has a cost of living 3.06% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Milwaukee, WI has a cost-of-living index of 96.937 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $63,856 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,874 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.16% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,380
2025 BLS Actual
$61,780
2026 Current Est.
$63,856
2019–2027 Growth
+31.0%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,300 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,856 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,001 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Milwaukee metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 22.6% from $50,380 (2019) to $61,780 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,001 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,621 (31.01%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milwaukee 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) | $45,644 – $50,791 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,791 – $63,856 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,856 – $78,016 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,016 – $90,202 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Milwaukee
With around 1,200 graphic designers currently working in the Milwaukee area, the local job market demonstrates a healthy demand for design professionals. The city’s cost of living index stands at 96.937, suggesting that while salaries may be slightly lower than the national average, residents benefit from more affordable living conditions, ultimately enhancing their purchasing power. Employers in Milwaukee that tend to offer the highest pay include large corporate marketing teams in sectors like finance and CPG, renowned advertising agencies, and digital firms focused on innovative content creation. The disparity in pay reflects various factors, including specialization, agency reputation, and portfolio strength. Those looking to bolster their earnings should consider emphasizing niche skills, such as motion graphics, while creating a standout portfolio to showcase their capabilities, as well as exploring opportunities at top-tier agencies where compensation for creative leadership roles often exceeds market averages.
More salary data for Milwaukee, WI:
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 $61,780 for graphic designersin the Milwaukee 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
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