Average Graphic Designers Salary in Madison, WI
Graphic Designers in Madison, WI, earn an average annual salary of $65,540, which is slightly below the national average of $68,540. This localized compensation is influenced by a variety of factors specific to the Madison metropolitan area, including the demand for creative services and the overall economic landscape of Wisconsin's capital city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $89,970.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 760 Graphic Designers and a Location Quotient of 1.35, Madison exhibits a notable concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for graphic design talent within the city, indicating a healthy job market for skilled individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in Madison, WI earns-4.4%below the national average.
$31.5
$1,260
$5,462
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Graphic Designers nationwide and in localized markets like Madison have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This upward trend is typically driven by increasing demand for digital and print design services, evolving industry standards, and the need for specialized skills.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in Madison, WI
The career trajectory for Graphic Designers in Madison, as elsewhere, typically involves significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior designers with extensive portfolios and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear path for career progression and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $42,140 | $20.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $49,155 | $23.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $62,520 | $30.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $81,925 | $39.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $89,970 | $43.3 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
A nominal salary of $65,540 in Madison, WI, is particularly advantageous given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Madison-based Graphic Designer's salary is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comparable standard of living without financial compromise.
Job Market Context
760
Total Jobs
1.883
Per 1K Jobs
1.35
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.35, Madison, WI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Graphic Designers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.35 for Graphic Designers in Madison signifies a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average. This indicates that the job market may be more competitive, but also suggests a thriving industry that supports a larger pool of talent, potentially offering more diverse opportunities for specialization and collaboration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Graphic Designers Salary | $55,630↓ 15% | 33 mi |
| Rockford, IL Graphic Designers Salary | $53,720↓ 18% | 59 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Graphic Designers Salary | $53,750↓ 18% | 68 mi |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Graphic Designers Salary | $61,640↓ 6% | 72 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Graphic Designers Salary | $56,870↓ 13% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Madison, WI
Hiring Graphic Designerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in Madison, WI?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in Madison, WI is $65,540. This typically ranges from $42,140 for entry-level positions to $89,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Madison, WI is 4.4% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is Madison, WI a lucrative place for Graphic Designers?
Yes, Madison, WI offers a competitive environment for Graphic Designers.While the average salary is slightly below the national benchmark, the cost of living is on par, making the nominal earnings effectively competitive. Furthermore, the higher concentration of designers suggests a strong local demand.
Is Madison, WI a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
The Cost of Living Index in Madison, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Madison, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($55,630) and Rockford, IL.
How does Madison's Graphic Designer salary compare to the national average?
Graphic Designers in Madison earn an average of $65,540 annually, which is approximately $3,000 less than the national average of $68,540.
What is the significance of Madison's Location Quotient for Graphic Designers?
A Location Quotient of 1.35 means Madison has 35% more Graphic Designers per worker than the national average, indicating a strong presence and potential demand for the profession.
How does the cost of living in Madison affect a Graphic Designer's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Madison's cost of living matches the national average. Therefore, the $65,540 salary provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Graphic Designers employed in Madison, WI?
There are approximately 760 Graphic Designers employed in Madison, WI, contributing to the local creative workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 760 employees in the Madison, WI area with a job density of 1.883 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 Madison, WI