Senior Graphic Designer Salary in Cody, WY: $92,155 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of graphic designers working in Cody, WY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $92,155/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 27-1024. Strip back Cody's price premium (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $96,195 in average-cost America. The 54% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cody, Wyoming, senior graphic designers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $59,931 in 2026, with top earners reaching up to $92,155. This gap underscores the experience premium that exists within this profession, as the difference between median and top-tier pay can be significant. Those aspiring to reach these elevated salary brackets typically have over seven years of experience and a well-curated portfolio that showcases advanced skills, particularly in lucrative specializations such as motion graphics and brand identity design. Comparatively, the top-tier salaries in Cody are somewhat lower than the national averages, with the latter sitting at $65,075; however, the potential for financial growth remains strong, particularly given Cody's smaller market and relatively low cost of living index.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cody
Experienced graphic designers at the top of the pay scale in Cody earn between $74,893 and $92,155 per year (2026 est.). This $52,139 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cody median of $59,931 sits 7.9% below the US median.
Top Salary Comparison
| Level | Cody | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $59,931 | $65,075 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,893 | $84,579 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $92,155 | $108,435 |
In Cody, experienced graphic designers (P90) earn 53.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Graphic Designer Pay in Cody
Advanced Certifications in Wyoming
WY graphic designers with additional specialty certifications within the graphic design field earn significantly above the $59,931 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cody employers.
Specialty Focus
Graphic Designers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the graphic design field in Cody command premium compensation, often reaching the $74,893–$92,155 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cody metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced graphic designers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured graphic designers in Cody with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Graphic Designers in Wyoming who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Graphic Designer Career & Wage Growth Path in Cody
Clinical Graphic Designer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Graphic Designer
5-10 yearsGraphic Designer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCody ranks #5 of 14 Wyoming cities for top earner graphic designer salary (90th percentile: $92,155).
Top 10% graphic designer compensation in Cody ($92,155) is 0.18% above the Wyoming average P90 ($91,987).
2019 BLS Actual
$75,816
2025 BLS Actual
$89,159
2026 Current Est.
$92,155
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Cody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,816 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,411 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,507 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,768 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,369 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,373 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,159 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,155 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,251 | Projected |
Top-earning graphic designers (90th percentile) in Cody saw their compensation grow 17.6% from $75,816 in 2019 to $89,159 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.36% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $95,251 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody 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.
Maximizing Your Graphic Designer Earnings in Cody
For experienced graphic designers in Cody, the optimal paths to securing higher compensation involve specialization and an understanding of the diverse employer landscape. Proficiencies in brand identity, packaging design, and UI/web visual design can command premium pay, especially in in-house positions with larger corporate entities or well-established agencies. Notably, agency tier differences can greatly impact compensation, as top firms often provide higher pay for senior roles compared to local in-house marketing teams. Leadership roles such as art director or design director become attainable over time, often leading to substantial pay increases. Moreover, advanced credentials in relevant fields, coupled with mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity with design tools like Figma, can enhance earning potential. While freelance work offers flexibility, it also tends to have a wider pay variance, demanding strong portfolios for securing higher-paying projects, further emphasizing the importance of building a robust design identity in the market.
More salary data for Cody, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced graphic designers make in Cody in 2026?
What drives higher graphic designer pay in Cody?
What certifications boost graphic designer salary in Cody?
Can experienced graphic designers make six figures in Cody?
How much does graphic designer salary increase over time in Cody?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $89,159 for graphic designers in the Cody metro area. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cody 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