Average Graphic Designers Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Graphic Designers in Southeast Iowa's nonmetropolitan areas can expect an average annual salary of $50,590. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $68,540, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially smaller market demand for specialized design services. The localized pay scale is a direct consequence of the economic landscape specific to this nonmetropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,000.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 200 Graphic Designers, the job market in Southeast Iowa's nonmetropolitan areas presents a modest concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.7. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, implying a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers at 0.973 further supports the notion of a steady, albeit niche, employment environment for designers in this locale.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-26.2%below the national average.
$24.3
$973
$4,216
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Southeast Iowa's nonmetropolitan areas is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in Graphic Designer salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, increased demand for digital content, and evolving design technologies likely contributed to modest salary growth, even in less urbanized regions. This suggests a gradual but positive trajectory for compensation within the field.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Graphic Designers in Southeast Iowa's nonmetropolitan areas typically involves a salary increase 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, approaching or even exceeding the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries underscores the tangible career advancement opportunities available through skill development and experience accumulation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $31,340 | $15.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $37,943 | $18.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $45,850 | $22 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $63,238 | $30.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $74,000 | $35.6 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $50,590 in Southeast Iowa's nonmetropolitan areas aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Graphic Designer's salary in this region is equivalent to that of a designer earning the national average in a location with a national average cost of living. While the salary is lower than the national average, the comparable cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may offer similar lifestyle affordability.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
0.973
Per 1K Jobs
0.7
Location Quotient
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.70x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.7 for Graphic Designers in Southeast Iowa's nonmetropolitan areas indicates that the concentration of these professionals is below the national average. This suggests that the job market is less saturated compared to national trends, which could translate to fewer direct competitors for open positions. However, it also implies that the overall demand might be proportionally lower, making it a market where specialized skills could be highly valued.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Graphic Designers Salary | $54,650↑ 8% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Graphic Designers Salary | $53,600↑ 6% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Graphic Designers Salary | $52,280↑ 3% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Graphic Designers Salary | $54,230↑ 7% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Graphic Designers Salary | $53,650↑ 6% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Graphic Designerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $50,590. This typically ranges from $31,340 for entry-level positions to $74,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 26.2% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Graphic Designers?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to national standards.The average salary of $50,590 is significantly below the national average, despite a cost of living that matches the national index. This indicates lower earning potential in this specific region.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($54,650) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Graphic Designers in Southeast Iowa's nonmetropolitan areas is $50,590, which is approximately $18,000 less than the national average of $68,540.
What is the Cost of Living in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The Cost of Living Index in this region is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the national average.
Is there high demand for Graphic Designers in this area?
With a Location Quotient of 0.7, the concentration of Graphic Designers is lower than the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand.
How many Graphic Designers work in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
There are approximately 200 Graphic Designers employed within the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 0.973 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area