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Average Graphic Designers Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY

Graphic Designers in Lexington-Fayette, KY, can expect an average annual salary of $55,630. This figure is notably below the national average of $68,540, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the local market. While the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette is on par with the national average, the salary differential suggests a less competitive market for design talent compared to other areas.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $55,630 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,890.
  • Outlook: The job market for Graphic Designers in Lexington-Fayette, KY, shows moderate activity, with a total local workforce of 340 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.88 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the field is not disproportionately represented. With 1.218 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand is steady but not exceptionally high, pointing to a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$55,630

The average Graphic Designers in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-18.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26.7

Weekly

$1,070

Monthly

$4,636

Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY

Salary progression for Graphic Designers in Lexington-Fayette, KY, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior designers with extensive portfolios and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The gap between the 25th percentile (entry-level) and the 75th percentile (senior) represents the career trajectory and earning potential, highlighting the importance of skill development and experience in achieving higher compensation.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$36,970$17.8
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$41,723$20.1
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$51,410$24.7
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$69,538$33.4
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$78,890$37.9

Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$55,630

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$55,630

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $55,630 for Graphic Designers in Lexington-Fayette, KY, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Graphic Designer's salary in Lexington-Fayette is equivalent to that of a designer earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay effectively covers expenses at a comparable rate.

Job Market Context

340

Total Jobs

1.218

Per 1K Jobs

0.88

Location Quotient

Below Average

Lexington-Fayette, KY has 0.88x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.88, Lexington-Fayette, KY, has a slightly lower concentration of Graphic Designers compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is not oversaturated, but it also implies that the demand for these professionals might be somewhat limited relative to other regions. While this could mean less competition for available roles, it also indicates that employers may have a wider pool of candidates to choose from, potentially influencing salary negotiations.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers

CitySalaryDist.
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary$49,380↓ 11%28 mi
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary$44,700↓ 20%28 mi
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary$43,640↓ 22%28 mi
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Graphic Designers Salary$57,130↑ 3%72 mi

Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY

Hiring Graphic Designerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Graphic Designers make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $55,630. This typically ranges from $36,970 for entry-level positions to $78,890 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 18.8% lower than the national median of $68,540.

Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Graphic Designers?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $55,630 is significantly lower than the national average of $68,540, despite a cost of living that matches the national average. This indicates that while expenses are standard, earning potential is below the national benchmark.

Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Graphic Designers?

The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($49,380) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local workforce size affect Graphic Designer jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

The local workforce of 340 Graphic Designers suggests a moderately sized professional community. While not a massive hub, it indicates a consistent presence and demand for design services within the region.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.88 mean for Graphic Designers in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

A Location Quotient of 0.88 signifies that Graphic Designers are slightly less concentrated in Lexington-Fayette, KY, than the national average. This implies a stable but not overly abundant job market for these professionals.

How does the Cost of Living in Lexington-Fayette, KY, compare to the national average?

Lexington-Fayette, KY, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the general expenses for housing, food, transportation, and other necessities are comparable to the typical US city.

What is the average number of Graphic Designer jobs per 1,000 workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

There are approximately 1.218 Graphic Designer jobs per 1,000 workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY. This metric provides insight into the relative prevalence of these roles within the local employment landscape.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 1.218 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Graphic Designers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY