Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| Illinois | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $62,560 | $64,771 | -3% |
| Median hourly wage | $30.08 | $31.14 | -3% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $62,560.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $63,242 | $42,000 | $84,000 | 107 |
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designer in Illinois is $62,560, or about $30.08 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Graphic Designers is $64,771. Illinois is -3% below the national median.
Entry-level graphic designers in Illinois typically earn from $42,000 depending on the city and employer.
With 8,960 graphic designer jobs on record and a median salary of $62,560, Illinois offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.