Graphic Designer Salary in Minneapolis, MN: $67,814 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Minneapolis, MN earns a median $67,814/year (≈ $32.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Minneapolis's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 104.8), that paycheck buys what $64,694 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.5% above the Minnesota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, a graphic designer salary in Minneapolis is projected to be quite competitive, with median earnings reaching $67,814. This is higher than the national median of $65,075, showcasing a 4.21% premium for designers in this vibrant city. Salaries vary significantly, from a lower range of approximately $48,476 at the 10th percentile to as much as $105,314 at the 90th percentile. This diverse range reflects the different levels of specialization within the field, particularly in areas like motion graphics and brand identity, which typically command higher pay. These figures come from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, indicating a solid job market for creative professionals in Minneapolis.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,476 | $23.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,194 | $28.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,814 | $32.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,548 | $40.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,314 | $50.64 |
Median Salary Position
4.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, MN, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,838 (2026 est.). At $67,814, the local median is 4.21% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Minneapolis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Minneapolis Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Minneapolis median: $67,814/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Minneapolis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $60,280 | +12.50% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | +4.21% more |
Graphic Designers in Minneapolis, MN earn a median of $67,814 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.21% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 12.50% above the Minnesota state average of $60,280.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Minneapolis has a cost of living 4.82% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Minneapolis, MN has a cost-of-living index of 104.822 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,814 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,694 — a 4.6% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,030
2025 BLS Actual
$65,610
2026 Current Est.
$67,814
2019–2027 Growth
+32.2%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Minneapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,120 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,610 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,814 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,093 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Minneapolis metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 23.7% from $53,030 (2019) to $65,610 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,093 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,063 (32.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minneapolis 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) | $48,476 – $59,194 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,194 – $67,814 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,814 – $84,548 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,548 – $105,314 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Minneapolis
Examining the local job market reveals that there are about 3,690 graphic designers employed across Minneapolis, MN. However, the higher cost of living, with a cost-of-living index of 104.822, means that take-home pay must be assessed in this context. Leading employers that typically pay the highest salaries include in-house corporate marketing teams in finance and CPG sectors, as well as top-tier advertising agencies. The differentials in salary reflect various factors like the prestige of the employer, portfolio strength, and specialized skills, particularly in areas that integrate digital media and brand development. To maximize pay, designers should focus on honing in-demand skills, targeting high-paying sectors, and considering freelance or contract work where premium rates are more common. This approach will enhance their competitive edge in an ever-evolving job market.
More salary data for Minneapolis, MN:
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 $65,610 for graphic designersin the Minneapolis 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