Graphic Designer Salary in Iowa (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Graphic Designers in Iowa, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Iowa Median
$50,310
per year
Hourly Rate
$24.19
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-20% vs US median
US median $62,960
State Rank
#45 of 51
2,100 employed here

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Iowa?

A Graphic Designer working in Iowa earns a median salary of $50,310 per year, or about $24.19 per hour. That is 20% below the national median of $62,960 for this occupation.

Within Iowa, entry-level pay starts around $36,970 while the top 10% make $75,510 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,610 and $63,640 a year.

Graphic Designer salary range in Iowa

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$36,970$17.77
25th percentile (early career)$44,610$21.45
50th percentile (median)$50,310$24.19
75th percentile (experienced)$63,640$30.60
90th percentile (top earners)$75,510$36.30

How Iowa compares

Iowa ranks 45th out of 51 states and territories for Graphic Designer pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$87,920
2Rhode Island$78,220
3New York$77,340
4Massachusetts$76,710
5California$75,130

Working as a Graphic Designer in Iowa

Nationally, about 198,000 people work as Graphic Designers in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Iowa pay ($50,310) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Iowa?
The median Graphic Designer salary in Iowa is $50,310 per year, or about $24.19 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $36,970 at the entry level to $75,510 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Iowa pay compare to the national average?
Iowa pays Graphic Designers about 20% less than the national median of $62,960. Iowa ranks 45th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Iowa a good state for Graphic Designers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $50,310 a year. About 2,100 Graphic Designers are employed in Iowa. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Iowa?
The highest-paying occupations in Iowa include Emergency Medicine Physician ($429,050), Dermatologist ($424,970), Radiologist ($405,220), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Graphic Designer salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.