Average Graphic Designers Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
Graphic Designers in St. Louis, MO-IL earn an average annual salary of $59,160, which is below the national average of $68,540. This disparity can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including industry demand and the overall compensation landscape within the metropolitan area. Understanding these nuances is crucial for professionals navigating the St. Louis job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $83,720.
- Outlook: The St. Louis graphic design job market shows a moderate presence, with a total local workforce of 1,620 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests a slightly lower concentration of graphic designers compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand. With 1.208 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market offers consistent opportunities for skilled designers.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in St. Louis, MO-IL earns-13.7%below the national average.
$28.4
$1,138
$4,930
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for St. Louis graphic designer salaries over the past four years is not provided, it's generally assumed that compensation in this field has seen incremental growth nationwide. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for digital design services, and the evolution of design software likely contribute to a positive salary trend, even in localized markets.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL
Salary progression for Graphic Designers in St. Louis, MO-IL, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior designers with extensive portfolios and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between junior, mid-level, and senior roles reflect the increasing value placed on expertise and proven track records.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $36,780 | $17.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $44,370 | $21.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $56,350 | $27.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $73,950 | $35.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $83,720 | $40.3 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,160
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $59,160 in St. Louis, MO-IL, 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 St. Louis is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not exacerbate the difference.
Job Market Context
1,620
Total Jobs
1.208
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
St. Louis, MO-IL has 0.87x 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 0.87, St. Louis, MO-IL, has a slightly lower concentration of graphic designers than the national average. This suggests that the market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce for these professionals. While competition may exist, the slightly below-average concentration could imply a balanced job market where skilled designers have a reasonable chance of finding employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, IL Graphic Designers Salary | $62,670↑ 6% | 84 mi |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Graphic Designers Salary | $48,000↓ 19% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near St. Louis, MO-IL
Hiring Graphic Designerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in St. Louis, MO-IL?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in St. Louis, MO-IL is $59,160. This typically ranges from $36,780 for entry-level positions to $83,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 13.7% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Graphic Designers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $59,160 is below the national average of $68,540, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near St. Louis, MO-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, IL ($62,670) and Cape Girardeau, MO-IL.
How does St. Louis compare to the national average salary for Graphic Designers?
Graphic Designers in St. Louis earn approximately $9,380 less annually than the national average, with an average salary of $59,160 compared to $68,540.
What is the concentration of Graphic Designers in St. Louis?
The Location Quotient for Graphic Designers in St. Louis is 0.87, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the St. Louis Graphic Designer salary?
The cost of living in St. Louis is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $59,160 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Graphic Designers are there in St. Louis?
There are approximately 1,620 Graphic Designers employed in the St. Louis, MO-IL area, representing 1.208 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,620 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 1.208 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 St. Louis, MO-IL