Graphic Designer Salary in Onalaska, WI: $59,317 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Onalaska, WI earns a median $59,317/year (≈ $28.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Onalaska's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $63,509 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the graphic designer salary in Onalaska, Wisconsin, is projected to reach a median of $59,317, reflecting local adjustments based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data. The salary range for this profession extends from $38,411 at the 10th percentile to $90,318 at the 90th percentile, indicating a substantial variance based on experience, specialization, and employer type. This relatively competitive median is notable when compared to the national figure of $65,075, marking an 8.85% difference. Designers in Onalaska may find that venturing into motion graphics or brand identity can yield higher premiums, underscoring the local potential for growth as these skills become increasingly sought after within the region’s job market.
About the Onalaska Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,411 | $18.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,844 | $23.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,317 | $28.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,397 | $35.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,318 | $43.42 |
Median Salary Position
8.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Onalaska
In Onalaska, WI, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,907 (2026 est.). At $59,317, the local median is 8.85% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Onalaska: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Onalaska Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Onalaska median: $59,317/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Onalaska Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $61,278 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -8.85% less |
Graphic Designers in Onalaska, WI earn a median of $59,317 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.85% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,278.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Onalaska has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Onalaska, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $59,317 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,509 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,499
2025 BLS Actual
$57,389
2026 Current Est.
$59,317
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Onalaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,499 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,657 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,223 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,859 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,697 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,935 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,389 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,317 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,310 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Onalaska metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $47,499 (2019) to $57,389 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,310 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,811 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Onalaska 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) | $38,411 – $48,844 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,844 – $59,317 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,317 – $73,397 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,397 – $90,318 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Onalaska
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently four graphic designers employed in Onalaska, creating a competitive yet niche landscape for job seekers. With a cost of living index at 93.4, designers may find that their purchasing power here is favorable compared to national averages. In terms of compensation, graphic designers working in-house for corporate marketing teams—especially within banks or consumer packaged goods sectors—may earn more than those in advertising agencies. The wide salary spread in Onalaska can be attributed to specialties such as motion graphics or brand identity, which command higher rates than general design roles. Additionally, the tier of the agency or corporation significantly influences pay, as elite agencies often compensate at a premium to attract top talent. For designers looking to maximize their earnings, focusing on specialized skills and developing a strong portfolio can substantially elevate their market value in the Onalaska area.
More salary data for Onalaska, 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 $57,389 for graphic designersin the Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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