Graphic Designers Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $62,490 +1.9% vs national
Median hourly $30.04
10th percentile $41,820
90th percentile $95,920
Employed locally 6,080
National median $61,300

Compare Graphic Designers salary & buying power

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Graphic Designers
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $41,820
    25th
    $47,880
    50th (median)
    $62,490
    75th
    $78,600
    90th
    $95,920

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Graphic Designers salary vs area income 70% Median Graphic Designers salary is 30% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Graphic Designers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $98,530
    District of Columbia $90,710
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $89,490
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $82,630
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $82,360
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $78,500

    Nearby metros — Graphic Designers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $75,470
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $68,710
    Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $68,640
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $64,910
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $61,960
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $61,190

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $47,770
    Public Relations Specialists $63,910
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $38,640
    Editors $71,600
    Producers and Directors $78,490
    Interior Designers $69,990

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Graphic Designers make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Graphic Designers in Chicago, IL-IN is $30.04, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $48.38 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Graphic Designers salaries?

    The median Graphic Designers salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 1.9% above the national median of $61,300. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Graphic Designers in Chicago?

    Entry-level Graphic Designers (10th percentile) earn around $41,820 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $47,880.