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Graphic Designer Salary in Milwaukee, WI

How much does a graphic designer make in Milwaukee? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Milwaukee's cost of living.

Median Salary
$59,990
per year in Milwaukee
Entry Level
$35,166
Starting salary
Senior Level
$84,814
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
96
4% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how graphic designer salaries break down across different pay periods in Milwaukee.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$35,166$59,990$84,814
Monthly$2,931$4,999$7,068
Biweekly$1,353$2,307$3,262
Weekly$676$1,154$1,631
Hourly$17$29$41

Milwaukee vs National Average

How Milwaukee's graphic designer salaries compare to national figures.

Milwaukee Salary
$59,990
COL Index: 96
National Average
$63,330
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$3,340
Lower in Milwaukee

Cost of Living in Milwaukee

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$51,234
per year
Population
577,222
residents
Rent % of Income
30.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 96 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Milwaukee have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Graphic Designer

Overview

Create visual designs for print and digital media.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteVisual DesignTypographyDigital Art

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Graphic Designer Salary

See Graphic Designer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$75,850
+26%
Los Angeles, CA
$75,820
+26%
Chicago, IL
$62,490
+4%
Houston, TX
$56,380
-6%
Phoenix, AZ
$52,450
-13%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a graphic designer salary in Milwaukee.

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Graphic Designer Salary in Milwaukee, WI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a graphic designer in Milwaukee, WI is $59,990 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Milwaukee's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level graphic designer professionals in Milwaukee can expect to earn around $35,166 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level graphic designers earning approximately $84,814 per year. This represents a 141% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Milwaukee's cost of living index of 96 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Milwaukee are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $63,330, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a graphic designer's salary in Milwaukee typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 26.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Graphic Designers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Milwaukee, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.