Average Graphic Designers Salary in Illinois
Graphic Designers in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $64,070, which is slightly below the national average of $68,540. This localized pay rate is influenced by a combination of factors including the state's specific economic conditions, the demand for design services within its industries, and the overall cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $95,350.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 7,900 Graphic Designers, Illinois presents a substantial, yet not overwhelmingly concentrated, market for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.94 indicates that the concentration of Graphic Designers in Illinois is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for their skills across various sectors within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in Illinois earns-6.5%below the national average.
$30.8
$1,232
$5,339
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Illinois Graphic Designers is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, increased reliance on digital media, and evolving design trends likely contribute to a steady or increasing demand, which typically correlates with upward salary adjustments for skilled professionals in this field.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in Illinois
The career trajectory for Graphic Designers in Illinois typically involves significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a strong portfolio can command salaries in the upper percentiles, often exceeding $80,000. These percentile gaps clearly signify the value placed on experience and expertise within the Illinois design market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $37,980 | $18.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $48,053 | $23.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $60,010 | $28.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $80,088 | $38.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $95,350 | $45.8 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,793
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average Graphic Designer salary of $64,070 in Illinois is quite favorable when considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of an Illinois salary is relatively higher than in many other parts of the country, allowing designers to potentially enjoy a better standard of living.
Job Market Context
7,900
Total Jobs
1.302
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Illinois has 0.94x the national average concentration of Graphic Designers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Illinois's Location Quotient of 0.94 for Graphic Designers suggests a job market that is closely aligned with the national average in terms of professional concentration. This indicates a balanced market where demand and supply are relatively stable, offering moderate competition but also consistent opportunities for skilled designers to find employment without being in an oversaturated field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Graphic Designers Salary | $66,130↑ 3% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Graphic Designers Salary | $53,980↓ 16% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Graphic Designers Salary | $57,270↓ 11% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Graphic Designers Salary | $55,930↓ 13% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Graphic Designers Salary | $62,670↓ 2% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Illinois
Hiring Graphic Designerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in Illinois is $64,070. This typically ranges from $37,980 for entry-level positions to $95,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 6.5% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Graphic Designers?
Yes, Illinois offers a competitive environment for Graphic Designers.While the average salary is slightly below the national benchmark, the lower cost of living enhances purchasing power. The stable job market also provides consistent opportunities.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($66,130) and Decatur, IL.
How does the cost of living in Illinois affect a Graphic Designer's salary?
Illinois's Cost of Living Index of 91.8 is below the national average, meaning that the $64,070 salary offers greater purchasing power than it might in a higher cost-of-living state, making it relatively more lucrative.
What is the job market like for Graphic Designers in Illinois?
The market is stable, with a workforce of 7,900 and a Location Quotient of 0.94, indicating a concentration of designers that closely matches the national average, suggesting consistent demand.
How does Illinois compare to the national average salary for Graphic Designers?
Graphic Designers in Illinois earn an average of $64,070, which is approximately $4,470 less than the national average of $68,540.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.94 mean for Graphic Designers in Illinois?
A Location Quotient of 0.94 signifies that the proportion of Graphic Designers in Illinois's workforce is slightly lower than the national average, indicating a balanced job market with steady opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,900 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 1.302 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 Illinois