Graphic Designer salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
Graphic Designers in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area earn a median of $58,520 a year ($28.14 an hour), based on BLS data for 200 workers.
Pay ranges from $40,170 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,340 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 16% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $50,310. There are 1.4 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $58,100, close to the median.
Pay range for graphic designers in Cedar Rapids, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $40,170 | $19.31 |
| 25th percentile | $46,740 | $22.47 |
| Median | $58,520 | $28.14 |
| 75th percentile | $66,510 | $31.98 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $76,340 | $36.70 |
| Average (mean) | $58,100 | $27.93 |
Half of graphic designers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,876.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,438.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,250.77 |
| Weekly | $1,125.38 |
| Hourly | $28.14 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Graphic Designer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $58,020 | 1,020 |
| Ames, IA | $57,060 | 110 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $56,520 | 740 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $52,500 | 170 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $51,060 | 110 |
| Iowa City, IA | $49,350 | 110 |
| Dubuque, IA | $48,620 | 120 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $47,270 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for graphic designers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $87,920 |
| Rhode Island | $78,220 |
| New York | $77,340 |
| Massachusetts | $76,710 |
| California | $75,130 |
| Maryland | $75,120 |
| New Jersey | $73,790 |
| Washington | $72,710 |
| Connecticut | $72,700 |
| Virginia | $72,310 |
See Graphic Designer pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $38,850 | $18.68 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $66,400 | $31.92 |
| Interior Designer | $50,300 | $24.18 |
| Art Director | $103,120 | $49.58 |
| Floral Designer | $36,280 | $17.44 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $49,150 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $64,620 | $31.07 |
| Producers and Directors | $49,210 | $23.66 |
| Editor | $61,880 | $29.75 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $48,990 | $23.55 |
| Technical Writer | $69,410 | $33.37 |
| Photographer | $37,190 | $17.88 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| Writers and Authors | $62,110 | $29.86 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Cedar Rapids, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-1024. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a graphic designer make in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area is $58,520 a year, or $28.14 an hour. Pay ranges from $40,170 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,340 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area earn at least $76,340 a year. The top 25% earn $66,510 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $40,170 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $46,740 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Cedar Rapids, IA?
About 200 graphic designers are employed in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.