Graphic Designer Salary in Bismarck, ND: $59,360 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Bismarck, ND earns a median $59,360/year (≈ $28.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Bismarck's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.0), that paycheck buys what $65,214 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the North Dakota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the graphic designer salary in Bismarck, ND is projected to reach a median annual figure of $59,360, reflecting slightly below the national median of $65,075. Salary ranges will vary significantly, going from $40,579 in the 10th percentile to $81,799 for the 90th percentile, highlighting the opportunities for variation based on skills, experience, and type of employment. This data comes from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys. In-house positions typically provide steadier salaries and benefits, attracting designers to corporate roles, while agency environments often offer broader project scopes and higher creative potentials but tend to start lower on the pay scale. This distinction is crucial for job seekers in Bismarck’s evolving employment landscape.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,579 | $19.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,838 | $23.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,360 | $28.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,458 | $31.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,799 | $39.33 |
Median Salary Position
8.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bismarck
In Bismarck, ND, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,220 (2026 est.). At $59,360, the local median is 8.78% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bismarck: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bismarck Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Bismarck median: $59,360/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bismarck Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $59,899 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -8.78% less |
Graphic Designers in Bismarck, ND earn a median of $59,360 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.78% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.90% below the North Dakota state average of $59,899.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bismarck has a cost of living 8.98% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bismarck, ND has a cost-of-living index of 91.024 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $59,360 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,214 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.86% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,970
2025 BLS Actual
$57,430
2026 Current Est.
$59,360
2019–2027 Growth
+57.4%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,200 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,360 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,354 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bismarck metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 47.4% from $38,970 (2019) to $57,430 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,354 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,384 (57.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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) | $40,579 – $48,838 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,838 – $59,360 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,360 – $65,458 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,458 – $81,799 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Bismarck
Bismarck currently employs around 90 graphic designers, indicating a moderately strong local job market for this role. With a cost of living index at 91.024, residents of the area benefit from a relative affordability, though it also translates to some constraints on take-home purchasing power when compared to larger cities. In terms of pay, in-house corporate entities such as banks and consumer goods companies offer competitive salaries, often higher than what freelancers or smaller agencies can provide. The disparity in wages can also be influenced by specialization; designers focusing on motion graphics or brand identity typically command higher rates due to their technical and strategic expertise. To maximize pay in Bismarck, it's advisable for graphic designers to cultivate a strong portfolio, consider agency positions for broader experience, and network within local industries to seek opportunities for advancement.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
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 $57,430 for graphic designersin the Bismarck 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