How much does a graphic designer make in Chicago?
$66,490a year
Median yearly pay for graphic designers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area. That is $31.97 an hour or $5,541 a month.
- Hourly
- $31.97
- Vs. national median
- +6%
- Rank among cities
- 36 of 346
- Jobs in the area
- 6,590
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $43,750Median: $66,490Highest 10%: $100,600
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $43,750 | $21.03 | |
| 25th | $52,030 | $25.01 | |
| Median | $66,490 | $31.97 | |
| 75th | $83,590 | $40.19 | |
| 90th | $100,600 | $48.38 |
Other cities in Illinois
Median yearly pay for graphic designers.
| St. Louis, MO | $61,000 |
| Champaign, IL | $60,200 |
| Bloomington, IL | $57,230 |
| Peoria, IL | $56,450 |
| Springfield, IL | $55,220 |
| Rockford, IL | $54,530 |
| Davenport, IA | $52,500 |
Related jobs in Chicago
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Commercial and Industrial Designer | $113,000 |
| Musician and Singer | $110,600 |
| Art Director | $104,600 |
| Camera Operator | $102,400 |
| Broadcast Technician | $96,060 |
| Technical Writer | $89,960 |
| Media and Communication Worker | $89,620 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Worker | $85,400 |
| Producer and Director | $85,040 |
| Special Effects Artist and Animator | $83,200 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a graphic designer make an hour in Chicago?
The median hourly pay in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area is $31.97 ($66,490 a year).
Do graphic designers make more in Chicago than the national average?
Yes: $66,490 against $62,960 nationally, 6% more.
How does Chicago compare with the rest of Illinois?
The median in Illinois is $62,560, so Chicago pays 6% more.
Where does Chicago rank for graphic designer pay?
36 of 346 metro areas with data.
How much does a graphic designer make starting out in Chicago?
The lowest-paid 10% make $43,750 or less a year; the top 10% make $100,600 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.