Graphic Designer Salary in Caldwell, ID: $62,505 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Caldwell, ID earns a median $62,505/year (≈ $30.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Caldwell's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $65,588 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Caldwell, ID, can expect a median annual salary of $62,505, reflecting a slight variance of 3.95% below the national median of $65,075. The salary range for these professionals spans from $36,942 at the lower 10th percentile to $96,882 for the top 90th percentile, indicating a diverse compensation landscape. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional economic conditions. For those weighing the choice between agency and in-house positions, Caldwell offers unique considerations, with potential pay differences influenced by job structure. Many designers may find that agency roles provide broader creative experiences, while in-house corporate gigs often promise more stability and consistent pay.
About the Caldwell Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,942 | $17.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,248 | $24.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,505 | $30.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,006 | $38.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,882 | $46.57 |
Median Salary Position
3.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Caldwell
In Caldwell, ID, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,940 (2026 est.). At $62,505, the local median is 3.95% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Caldwell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Caldwell Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Caldwell median: $62,505/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Caldwell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $62,009 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -3.95% less |
Graphic Designers in Caldwell, ID earn a median of $62,505 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.95% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.80% above the Idaho state average of $62,009.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Caldwell has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Caldwell, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $62,505 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,588 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,052
2025 BLS Actual
$60,473
2026 Current Est.
$62,505
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Caldwell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,052 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,271 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,707 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,699 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,583 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,945 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,473 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,505 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,605 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Caldwell metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $50,052 (2019) to $60,473 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,605 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,553 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Caldwell metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.36% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,942 – $50,248 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,248 – $62,505 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,505 – $80,006 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,006 – $96,882 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Caldwell
Caldwell's job market for graphic designers is relatively small, with only eight professionals currently employed in the area. Despite this limited workforce, the city's cost of living index stands at 95.3, suggesting that the purchasing power of a graphic designer’s salary can stretch further than in many other regions. Among local employers, in-house marketing teams in sectors like finance and consumer packaged goods may offer the highest pay, whereas agencies may provide less stable but potentially lucrative freelance opportunities. The variability in designer pay can be attributed to several factors, including specialty skills such as motion graphics or brand identity, the prestige of the agency, and portfolio strength. Understanding the local market dynamics and focusing on high-demand skills can significantly enhance earning potential for graphic designers in Caldwell, ID.
More salary data for Caldwell, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $60,473 for graphic designersin the Caldwell metropolitan area. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Caldwell is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov