Graphic Designer Salary in Liberal, KS: $55,172 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Liberal, KS earns a median $55,172/year (≈ $26.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Liberal's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $60,695 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberal, KS, graphic designer salaries are poised at a median of $55,172 for 2026, marking a notable 15.22% decrease compared to the national figure of $65,075. The local compensation structure showcases a salary range extending from $38,430 at the lower end (10th percentile) to an upper tier of $85,516 (90th percentile). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect local economic conditions and adjustments to cost of living. Given the small number of employers in the area, primarily consisting of in-house corporate teams or small agencies, candidates may find varied pay depending on whether they align with larger marketing departments or boutique firms, influencing their potential earnings.
About the Liberal Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,430 | $18.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,228 | $21.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,172 | $26.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,077 | $32.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,516 | $41.12 |
Median Salary Position
15.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Liberal
In Liberal, KS, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,086 (2026 est.). At $55,172, the local median is 15.22% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Liberal: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Liberal Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Liberal median: $55,172/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Liberal Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $59,133 | -6.70% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -15.22% less |
Graphic Designers in Liberal, KS earn a median of $55,172 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.22% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 6.70% below the Kansas state average of $59,133.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Liberal 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.
Liberal, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $55,172 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,695 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,179
2025 BLS Actual
$53,378
2026 Current Est.
$55,172
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,179 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,256 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,992 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,164 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,944 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,085 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,378 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,172 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,025 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Liberal metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $44,179 (2019) to $53,378 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,025 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,846 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberal 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) | $38,430 – $45,228 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,228 – $55,172 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,172 – $68,077 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,077 – $85,516 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Liberal
The job market in Liberal sees just four graphic designers currently employed, indicating a competitive yet concentrated environment for design professionals. With a cost of living index at 90.9, salaries may stretch further in terms of purchasing power than the raw figures suggest. This creates an intriguing scenario for both in-house teams at local banks and retailers and freelance designers who tap into broader markets. Specialists in motion graphics or brand identity can expect considerably higher wages than their peers focused on general graphic design. To maximize pay, professionals might consider strengthening their portfolios with targeted projects that showcase expertise in high-demand areas like digital media and branding, appealing to employers willing to invest in experienced talent.
More salary data for Liberal, KS:
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 $53,378 for graphic designersin the Liberal 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 Liberal 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