Graphic Designer Salary in Topeka, KS: $57,499 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Topeka, KS earns a median $57,499/year (≈ $27.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Topeka's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.8), that paycheck buys what $64,737 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Kansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Topeka, Kansas, the 2026 projected graphic designer salary peaks at a median of $57,499, which is considerably lower than the national median of $65,075. This disparity reflects how local market dynamics shape compensation, particularly in a city where the salary range spans from $37,530 at the 10th percentile to $105,985 at the 90th percentile. The local job market features opportunities for freelance designers who can set their day rates, often depending on project complexity and client needs. While many graphic designers in Topeka may find stable employment with corporate firms or agencies, those with specialized skills in motion graphics or brand identity can command higher fees, leading to increased earning potential.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,530 | $18.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,874 | $22.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,499 | $27.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,251 | $33.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,985 | $50.96 |
Median Salary Position
11.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Topeka
In Topeka, KS, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,455 (2026 est.). At $57,499, the local median is 11.64% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Topeka: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Topeka Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Topeka median: $57,499/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Topeka Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $59,156 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -11.64% less |
Graphic Designers in Topeka, KS earn a median of $57,499 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.64% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.80% below the Kansas state average of $59,156.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Topeka has a cost of living 11.18% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Topeka, KS has a cost-of-living index of 88.82 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $57,499 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,737 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.59% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,390
2025 BLS Actual
$55,630
2026 Current Est.
$57,499
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,390 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,630 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,499 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,431 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Topeka metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 17.4% from $47,390 (2019) to $55,630 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,431 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,041 (25.41%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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) | $37,530 – $46,874 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,874 – $57,499 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,499 – $69,251 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,251 – $105,985 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Topeka
Analyzing the broader context, Topeka's graphic design sector employs around 110 professionals, making it a tight-knit market. The cost of living index is 88.82, indicating a lower-than-average living cost, which can positively influence take-home pay in Topeka. Employing companies range from in-house corporate marketing teams at banks and retailers to digital agencies and packaging design firms. These employers vary in pay structures, with in-house positions typically offering steady salaries and benefits, while agencies might provide a diverse workload but less stability. The income differences are often driven by the specificity of design roles, with specialties like motion graphics or brand development fetching premium compensation. For graphic designers in Topeka looking to maximize their earnings, focusing on portfolio strength, networking within the local industry, and considering freelance opportunities for high-demand projects can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Topeka, 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 $55,630 for graphic designersin the Topeka 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