Graphic Designer Salary in Peoria, IL: $58,347 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Peoria, IL earns a median $58,347/year (≈ $28.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Peoria's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.2), that paycheck buys what $63,955 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Peoria, Illinois, aspiring graphic designers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $58,347 in 2026, which reflects a 10.34% decrease compared to the national median of $65,075. The salary range for this profession is quite broad, spanning from $39,184 for the lowest earners at the 10th percentile to $91,226 for those at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, project the local market dynamics where in-house positions tend to offer steadier pay and benefits, while agency roles may attract those seeking a variety of creative challenges despite typically lower starting salaries. Given Peoria's specific job market and the potential for career advancement, designers must strategically consider their employer type, as those in advertising and digital agencies might see higher compensation potential compared to in-house roles in retail or general corporate sectors.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,184 | $18.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,716 | $21.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,347 | $28.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,344 | $35.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,226 | $43.86 |
Median Salary Position
10.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Peoria
In Peoria, IL, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,042 (2026 est.). At $58,347, the local median is 10.34% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Peoria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Peoria Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Peoria median: $58,347/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Peoria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $65,075 | -10.34% less |
Graphic Designers in Peoria, IL earn a median of $58,347 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.34% lower than the national median of $65,075.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Peoria has a cost of living 8.77% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Peoria, IL has a cost-of-living index of 91.231 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $58,347 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,955 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,690
2025 BLS Actual
$56,450
2026 Current Est.
$58,347
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,690 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,450 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,347 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,307 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Peoria metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 32.2% from $42,690 (2019) to $56,450 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,307 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,617 (41.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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) | $39,184 – $45,716 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,716 – $58,347 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,347 – $73,344 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,344 – $91,226 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Peoria
The graphic designer job market in Peoria currently accommodates approximately 150 professionals, suggesting decent local demand. With a cost-of-living index at 91.231, designers need to understand their take-home purchasing power relative to this figure, as it can greatly impact lifestyle choices. Among local employers, corporate marketing teams for banks and consumer packaged goods (CPG) firms generally provide the highest compensation opportunities, while boutique agencies also tend to pay well, especially for specialized skills like motion graphics and brand identity. The variance in salaries often stems from factors such as an individual's specialty, the tier of the agency or corporate structure, the strength of their portfolio, and the role of freelance engagements, which can command significantly varied day rates. To maximize earning potential in Peoria, designers should focus on developing niche skills, enhancing their portfolios, and actively pursuing opportunities that align with high-demand specialties.
More salary data for Peoria, IL:
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 $56,450 for graphic designersin the Peoria 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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