Graphic Designer Salary in Rockford, IL: $56,362 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Rockford, IL earns a median $56,362/year (≈ $27.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Rockford's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.2), that paycheck buys what $61,161 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Rockford, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $56,362, which falls below the national median of $65,075. Salary ranges for this role vary significantly, with earnings projected between $40,011 at the lower end (P10) and reaching up to $79,660 at the highest level (P90). This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, reflects the competitive landscape for graphic designer pay in Rockford IL. Those specializing in motion graphics and brand identity can expect to earn higher premiums, emphasizing the importance of niche skills in enhancing overall compensation. With local opportunities limited to about 110 professional positions, understanding the market dynamics is key for aspiring designers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,011 | $19.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,336 | $22.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,362 | $27.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,760 | $32.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,660 | $38.29 |
Median Salary Position
13.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rockford
In Rockford, IL, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,649 (2026 est.). At $56,362, the local median is 13.39% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rockford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rockford Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Rockford median: $56,362/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rockford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $58,346 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -13.39% less |
Graphic Designers in Rockford, IL earn a median of $56,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.39% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.40% below the Illinois state average of $58,346.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rockford has a cost of living 7.85% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rockford, IL has a cost-of-living index of 92.154 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $56,362 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,161 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.51% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,410
2025 BLS Actual
$54,530
2026 Current Est.
$56,362
2019–2027 Growth
+40.7%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Rockford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,210 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,440 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,362 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,256 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rockford metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 31.7% from $41,410 (2019) to $54,530 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,256 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,846 (40.68%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rockford 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) | $40,011 – $46,336 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,336 – $56,362 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,362 – $66,760 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,760 – $79,660 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Rockford
Rockford's job market showcases a healthy demand for graphic designers, albeit impacted by a lower cost-of-living index of 92.154. This relatively affordable living environment translates to stronger purchasing power for designers earning local salaries. Major employers in the city, such as in-house marketing divisions for banks and consumer products firms, typically offer the highest compensation, often surpassing salaries found at advertising agencies. The disparity in pay levels, ranging from entry-level to seasoned professionals, is influenced by factors like specialty focus, agency reputation, and portfolio strength. For those pursuing freelance opportunities, it's crucial to differentiate between standard contract work and high-value projects, as the freelance market can be commoditized at the lower end but offers significant returns for experienced designers. Maximizing pay in Rockford requires continuous skill development, networking with local firms, and targeting specialty areas that enhance marketability in a competitive field.
More salary data for Rockford, 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 $54,530 for graphic designersin the Rockford 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