Graphic Designer Salary in Derby, KS: $58,332 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Derby, KS earns a median $58,332/year (≈ $28.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Derby's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $64,172 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Derby, Kansas, graphic designers can expect a median annual salary of $58,332, considerably lower than the national average of $65,075. The local salary spectrum ranges from $37,159 at the 10th percentile to $90,415 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse pay scale influenced by specialization and experience. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity. Freelancers often navigate their financial landscape through a day rate strategy that can lead to significant variations in income, depending on project types and client demands. Overall, the graphic designer pay in Derby, KS, reflects a growing market with unique demands and opportunities.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,159 | $17.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,254 | $21.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,332 | $28.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,665 | $35.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,415 | $43.47 |
Median Salary Position
10.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
In Derby, KS, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,256 (2026 est.). At $58,332, the local median is 10.36% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Derby: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Derby Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Derby median: $58,332/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Derby Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $59,160 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -10.36% less |
Graphic Designers in Derby, KS earn a median of $58,332 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.36% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.40% below the Kansas state average of $59,160.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Derby has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Derby, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $58,332 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,172 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$46,710
2025 BLS Actual
$56,436
2026 Current Est.
$58,332
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,710 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,849 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,455 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,981 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,806 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,611 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,436 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,332 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,292 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Derby metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $46,710 (2019) to $56,436 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,292 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,582 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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) | $37,159 – $45,254 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,254 – $58,332 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,332 – $74,665 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,665 – $90,415 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Derby
With only four graphic designers currently employed in the area, Derby's market is modest but stable. The cost-of-living index stands at 90.9, which enhances the relative value of take-home pay for designers in the region. Those seeking the highest compensation can find opportunities within in-house corporate marketing teams—particularly in sectors like finance and consumer packaged goods—which traditionally offer stronger salaries and benefits compared to creative agencies. Pay disparities often stem from the specific skills designers possess, where specialties like motion graphics and brand identity command higher rates than general graphic design. To maximize earnings, professionals should focus on building a robust portfolio, leveraging networking opportunities, and considering freelance avenues for premium projects that extend beyond typical market rates.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Derby, KS in 2026?
Is Derby, KS a good place to work as a graphic designer?
Can graphic designers make $100K in Derby?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Derby?
How much does a graphic designer make per hour in Derby?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 $56,436 for graphic designersin the Derby 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 Derby 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