Average Graphic Designers Salary in Appleton, WI
Graphic Designers in Appleton, WI, can expect an average annual salary of $58,800. This figure is notably below the national average of $68,540, reflecting localized market dynamics and potentially a different cost-of-living adjustment, though the index here is national parity.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,210.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 210 Graphic Designers and a Location Quotient of 1.2, Appleton shows a slightly higher concentration of these professionals than the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not booming, demand for graphic design talent within the region, indicating a consistent job market for skilled individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in Appleton, WI earns-14.2%below the national average.
$28.3
$1,131
$4,900
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Graphic Designers in Appleton have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts and increasing demand for digital and print design services likely contribute to a positive, albeit modest, upward trajectory in compensation.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in Appleton, WI
Salary progression for Graphic Designers in Appleton typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to $45,000, while senior designers with extensive portfolios and specialized skills could command salaries exceeding $75,000. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $39,610 | $19 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $44,100 | $21.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $55,380 | $26.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $73,500 | $35.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $78,210 | $37.6 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,800 in Appleton aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of a Graphic Designer's income in Appleton is equivalent to that of their national counterparts, offering stable financial footing.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
1.663
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, Appleton, WI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Graphic Designers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.2 indicates that Appleton has 20% more Graphic Designers per worker than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market; while there's a good pool of talent, employers may find it easier to source candidates compared to areas with lower LQs, potentially influencing salary negotiations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Graphic Designers Salary | $56,870↓ 3% | 20 mi |
| Green Bay, WI Graphic Designers Salary | $58,560↓ 0% | 26 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Graphic Designers Salary | $53,750↓ 9% | 35 mi |
| Sheboygan, WI Graphic Designers Salary | $50,200↓ 15% | 49 mi |
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $55,270↓ 6% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Appleton, WI
Hiring Graphic Designerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in Appleton, WI?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in Appleton, WI is $58,800. This typically ranges from $39,610 for entry-level positions to $78,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Appleton, WI is 14.2% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is Appleton, WI a lucrative place for Graphic Designers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $58,800 is significantly lower than the national average of $68,540. This indicates that while financially stable, it may not offer the highest earning potential for the profession.
Is Appleton, WI a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
The Cost of Living Index in Appleton, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Appleton, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Oshkosh-Neenah, WI ($56,870) and Green Bay, WI.
How does the local workforce size affect Graphic Designer jobs in Appleton?
The local workforce of 210 Graphic Designers suggests a concentrated but not overly saturated market. This size, combined with a Location Quotient above 1.0, implies a steady demand for these professionals within the Appleton area.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Graphic Designers in Appleton?
A Location Quotient of 1.2 means Graphic Designers are 20% more concentrated in Appleton than the national average. This indicates a slightly higher prevalence of the profession locally, suggesting a stable job market with potentially more opportunities than a lower LQ area.
How does the Cost of Living in Appleton compare to national averages for Graphic Designers?
Appleton's Cost of Living Index is exactly 100, matching the national average. This means the $58,800 salary has the same purchasing power in Appleton as the national average salary has across the country.
What are the typical salary ranges for different experience levels of Graphic Designers in Appleton?
Entry-level Graphic Designers in Appleton might earn around $45,000, while experienced professionals could see salaries rise to $75,000 or more, with senior roles commanding higher figures based on expertise and portfolio.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Appleton, WI area with a job density of 1.663 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Graphic Designers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Appleton, WI