Graphic Designer Pay

Graphic Designer Salary in Lenexa, KS: $59,211 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Lenexa, KS earns a median $59,211/year (โ‰ˆ $28.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 โ€” projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Lenexa's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $65,139 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Kansas state average.

$59,211
Median Annual Salary
$28.47/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$36,064
Entry Level (P10)
$91,776
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates ยท View source

Graphic Designer Salary in Lenexa, KS โ€” 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Lenexa, KS graphic designer salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, graphic designers in Lenexa, Kansas, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $59,211. This figure reflects a competitive position within the industry, particularly when compared to the national average of $65,075. The salary range for graphic designers in the area varies significantly, with the bottom 10% earning around $36,064 while the top 90% can make up to $91,776. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional price parities. Achieving the higher end of this spectrum tends to be associated with specialized skills, such as motion graphics and brand identity design, which are increasingly in demand among local employers.

About the Lenexa Market

Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$36,064$17.33
Lower Range (P25)$44,849$21.56
Median (P50)(typical)$59,211$28.47
Upper Range (P75)$75,790$36.43
Top Earners (P90)$91,776$44.12

Median Salary Position

$36,064$91,776
City Median: $59,211
National: $65,075
P10โ€“P90 Range

9.01% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lenexa

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for graphic designers in Lenexa. The median salary is $59,211, compared to the national median of $65,075.$32.5K$48.4K$64.4K$80.4K$96.4K$36.1K10th Pctl$44.8K25th Pctl$59.2KMedian$75.8K75th Pctl$91.8K90th PctlUS Median$65.1K

In Lenexa, KS, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,712 (2026 est.). At $59,211, the local median is 9.01% below the national median of $65,075.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of graphic designer pay in the Lenexa metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$1,139
per week
$4,934
per month
$59,208
per year

At 40 hours/week in Lenexa: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Lenexa Graphic Designer Pay Compares

Lenexa median: $59,211/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryLenexa Pays
Kansas Average$59,152+0.10% more
National Average$65,075-9.01% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing graphic designer median salary in Lenexa ($59,211) with Kansas average ($59,152) and the US national median ($65,075).Lenexa$59,211Kansas Avg$59,152+0.10%US National$65,075-9.01%

Graphic Designers in Lenexa, KS earn a median of $59,211 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.01% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.10% above the Kansas state average of $59,152.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$59,211
Nominal Salary
90.9
CoL Index
$65,139
Adjusted Salary

Lenexa has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.

Adjusted salary = nominal ร— (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $59,211. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 90.9, the purchasing-power equivalent is $65,139, a gain of $5,928.$50.3K$56.5K$62.6K$68.8K$74.9K$59,211NominalSalary$65,139CoL Adjusted(CoL: 90.9)โ–ฒ 10.01%US Median $65.1K

Lenexa, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $59,211 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,139 in an average-cost city โ€” an effective 10.01% boost.

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2019 BLS Actual

$47,414

2025 BLS Actual

$57,286

2026 Current Est.

$59,211

2019โ€“2027 Growth

+29.1%

Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lenexa (2019โ€“2027)

2019โ€“2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for graphic designers in Lenexa. Baseline $47,414 in 2025, projected to $61,200 by 2027.$43.1K$48.4K$53.7K$58.9K$64.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$47.4K$48.6K$46.1K$52.8K$53.6K$47.3K$57.3K$59.2K$61.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$47,414Actual
2020$48,569Actual
2021$46,140Actual
2022$52,764Actual
2023$53,601Actual
2024$47,314Actual
2025$57,286Actual
2026(current)$59,211Estimated
2027$61,200Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lenexa metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $47,414 (2019) to $57,286 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,200 by 2027 โ€” a total increase of $13,786 (29.08%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (2019โ€“2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lenexa metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026โ€“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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$36,064 โ€“ $44,849
3-5 years (Mid Career)$44,849 โ€“ $59,211
5+ years (Experienced)$59,211 โ€“ $75,790
10+ years (Top Earner)$75,790 โ€“ $91,776

salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

Graphic Designer Job Market in Lenexa

As of now, Lenexa hosts approximately 12 graphic designers, signaling a small but potentially tight-knit local job market. The cost of living index for the area is at 90.9, which offers a relative advantage for take-home pay, allowing designers to stretch their earnings more than in higher-cost regions. Major employers such as corporate marketing teams for banks, retailers, and CPG companies tend to offer the best compensation packages. The salary spread in Lenexa primarily arises from distinctions in specialization, agency reputation, and the strength of a designer's portfolio. Additionally, designers aiming for higher salaries might strategize by honing their skills in high-demand areas like motion graphics, pursuing freelance opportunities with reputable clients, or transitioning to more lucrative in-house corporate roles, especially in sectors like tech and finance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do graphic designers make in Lenexa, KS in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median graphic designer salary in Lenexa is $59,211/year ($28.47/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.36% annual growth). Salaries range from $36,064 at entry level (10th percentile) to $91,776 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Lenexa at 9.0% below the national median. Full-time graphic designers typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Lenexa, KS a good place to work as a graphic designer?

Lenexa graphic designer salaries are 9.0% below the national average and 0.1% above the Kansas state average. The metro area employs approximately 12 graphic designers. With a cost-of-living index of 90.9, your salary stretches further here than in higher-cost metros. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can graphic designers make $100K in Lenexa?

The median graphic designer salary in Lenexa is $59,211, and the 90th percentile earns $91,776. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Lenexa?

After adjusting for Lenexa's cost-of-living index of 90.9 (where 100 equals the national average), the $59,211 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $65,139 in an average-cost city. This means your dollar goes 10.0% further in Lenexa compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for graphic designers seeking strong real wages.

How much does a graphic designer make per hour in Lenexa?

Graphic Designers in Lenexa earn a median hourly rate of $28.47, which translates to approximately $59,211/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $17.33 for entry-level positions to $44.12 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem graphic designers sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, BFAData verified by Carlos Rodriguez, MA

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 $57,286 for graphic designersin the Lenexa 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 (P10โ€“P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Lenexa is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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. ยท View source data at BLS.gov

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