Graphic Designer Salary in Omaha, NE: $59,969 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Omaha, NE earns a median $59,969/year (≈ $28.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Omaha's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.9), that paycheck buys what $65,247 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Nebraska state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the graphic designer salary in Omaha is projected to reach $59,969 annually, which reflects a 7.85% difference compared to the national median of $65,075. Local salaries show a range from $37,313 at the lower end (P10) to $81,778 at the top (P90), revealing the potential for significant variation in pay across the market. These figures are derived from official BLS OEWS surveys and illustrate how Omaha, NE, presents varying opportunities for graphic designers. The job market offers multiple pathways, from agency roles to in-house positions, and the freelance model adds another layer of flexibility. Understanding the pay spectrum is essential for designers aiming to optimize their career earnings in this local economy.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,313 | $17.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,858 | $23.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,969 | $28.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,807 | $33.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,778 | $39.32 |
Median Salary Position
7.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Omaha
In Omaha, NE, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,465 (2026 est.). At $59,969, the local median is 7.85% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Omaha: You'd be above the median
How Omaha Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Omaha median: $59,969/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Omaha Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $59,553 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -7.85% less |
Graphic Designers in Omaha, NE earn a median of $59,969 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.85% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.70% above the Nebraska state average of $59,553.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Omaha has a cost of living 8.09% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Omaha, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.911 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $59,969 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,247 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.8% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,220
2025 BLS Actual
$58,020
2026 Current Est.
$59,969
2019–2027 Growth
+25.9%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Omaha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,969 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,984 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Omaha metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 17.9% from $49,220 (2019) to $58,020 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,984 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,764 (25.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Omaha 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) | $37,313 – $48,858 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,858 – $59,969 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,969 – $68,807 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,807 – $81,778 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Omaha
With 1,020 graphic designers currently employed in the Omaha area, the local market is robust, but graphic designer pay in Omaha, NE, is influenced by several factors. The cost of living index stands at 91.911, indicating that designers can enjoy a relatively affordable lifestyle while still generating a strong income. Major employers in Omaha that tend to offer competitive salaries include corporate marketing teams in banking and retail, as well as advertising agencies that attract top talent. The difference between lower and higher salaries typically stems from specialization — those focusing on motion graphics and brand identity can command higher rates compared to general graphic design. For designers seeking to maximize their earning potential, building a diverse portfolio that showcases specialty skills, networking within the industry, and considering freelance opportunities for premium projects are effective strategies for growth in the Omaha market.
More salary data for Omaha, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Omaha, NE in 2026?
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What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Omaha?
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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 $58,020 for graphic designersin the Omaha 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