Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| Kentucky | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $52,960 | $64,771 | -18% |
| Median hourly wage | $25.46 | $31.14 | -18% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $58,714.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | $54,809 | $36,400 | $72,800 | 89 |
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designer in Kentucky is $52,960, or about $25.46 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Graphic Designers is $64,771. Kentucky is -18% below the national median.
Entry-level graphic designers in Kentucky typically earn from $36,400 depending on the city and employer.
With 2,060 graphic designer jobs on record and a median salary of $52,960, Kentucky offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.