Graphic Designer Salary in Waukesha, WI: $64,660 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Waukesha, WI earns a median $64,660/year (≈ $31.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Waukesha's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $69,229 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.6% above the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukesha, WI, graphic designers can expect a median annual salary of $64,660 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $65,075. The pay range is quite diverse, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $39,540 and experienced designers earning up to $100,223. These estimates are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost fluctuations, reflecting the job's local market conditions. In Waukesha, the choice between agency and in-house employment can significantly influence salary. While in-house roles may offer more stability and benefits, agency positions could provide greater creative opportunities and potentially higher compensation for specialized skills.
About the Waukesha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,540 | $19.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,095 | $23.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,660 | $31.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,460 | $39.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,223 | $48.19 |
Median Salary Position
0.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukesha
In Waukesha, WI, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,683 (2026 est.). At $64,660, the local median is 0.64% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukesha: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukesha Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Waukesha median: $64,660/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukesha Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $61,231 | +5.60% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -0.64% less |
Graphic Designers in Waukesha, WI earn a median of $64,660 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.64% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.60% above the Wisconsin state average of $61,231.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukesha 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.
Waukesha, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $64,660 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,229 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,777
2025 BLS Actual
$62,558
2026 Current Est.
$64,660
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,777 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,039 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,386 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,534 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,497 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,558 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,660 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,833 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukesha metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $51,777 (2019) to $62,558 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,833 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,056 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukesha 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) | $39,540 – $49,095 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,095 – $64,660 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,660 – $82,460 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,460 – $100,223 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Waukesha
Examining the local job market, Waukesha employs about 14 graphic designers, creating a tight-knit community where competition for talent exists among various sectors. With a cost-of-living index at 93.4, designers may find their take-home pay thoughtfully balanced against living expenses, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle. Employers who tend to pay the most include in-house teams at banks and consumer packaged goods companies, as well as specialized advertising agencies catering to high-end clients. The variation in salaries can often be attributed to the designer's expertise in niche areas such as motion graphics or brand identity, with senior roles at leading agencies commanding a premium. For designers aiming to maximize their pay, focusing on building a diverse portfolio, expanding into high-demand specialties, and networking within Waukesha's creative circles are essential strategies.
More salary data for Waukesha, 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 $62,558 for graphic designersin the Waukesha 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 Waukesha 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