Graphic Designer Salary in Wisconsin Rapids, WI: $56,160 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Wisconsin Rapids, WI earns a median $56,160/year (≈ $27.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Wisconsin Rapids's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $60,128 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.3% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $56,160 in 2026, graphic designers in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, are positioned below the national average of $65,075. The salary spectrum ranges from $37,757 at the 10th percentile to $86,777 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse market where specialized skills such as motion graphics and brand identity can command higher compensation. Data is derived from 2025 BLS estimates projected to 2026, adjusted for regional pricing, reflecting local economic conditions. This competitive landscape reveals opportunities for professionals to enhance their earnings by focusing on high-demand specialties and building a robust portfolio.
About the Wisconsin Rapids Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,757 | $18.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,602 | $20.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,160 | $27.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,273 | $33.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,777 | $41.72 |
Median Salary Position
13.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wisconsin Rapids
In Wisconsin Rapids, WI, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,020 (2026 est.). At $56,160, the local median is 13.7% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wisconsin Rapids: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wisconsin Rapids Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Wisconsin Rapids median: $56,160/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wisconsin Rapids Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $61,243 | -8.30% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -13.70% less |
Graphic Designers in Wisconsin Rapids, WI earn a median of $56,160 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.70% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 8.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,243.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wisconsin Rapids 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.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $56,160 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,128 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,971
2025 BLS Actual
$54,334
2026 Current Est.
$56,160
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Wisconsin Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,971 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,067 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,762 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,045 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,839 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,334 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,160 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,047 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wisconsin Rapids metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $44,971 (2019) to $54,334 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,047 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,076 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wisconsin Rapids 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) | $37,757 – $43,602 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,602 – $56,160 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,160 – $70,273 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,273 – $86,777 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Wisconsin Rapids
The graphic design job market in Wisconsin Rapids currently employs five individuals in this field, showing a modest demand relative to other cities. The cost of living index in the area stands at 93.4, suggesting that designers may enjoy a better standard of living on their salaries compared to national averages. Employers in corporate marketing, especially within finance and consumer goods sectors, tend to offer more lucrative positions than the general retail space. The differences in remuneration are influenced by a variety of factors, including the prestige of the agency or corporation and the designer's portfolio strength. For those looking to maximize their graphic designer pay in Wisconsin Rapids, specializing in trending design areas, gaining experience in reputable firms, and leveraging freelance opportunities may provide a pathway towards higher earnings and career advancement.
More salary data for Wisconsin Rapids, 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 $54,334 for graphic designersin the Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids 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