Graphic Designer salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
Graphic Designers in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area earn a median of $59,990 a year ($28.84 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,720 workers.
Pay ranges from $41,100 for the lowest-paid 10% to $97,290 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 6% higher than the Missouri statewide median of $56,750. There are 1.6 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $64,100, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Kansas City, MO-KS
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $41,100 | $19.76 |
| 25th percentile | $48,730 | $23.43 |
| Median | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| 75th percentile | $75,550 | $36.32 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $97,290 | $46.77 |
| Average (mean) | $64,100 | $30.82 |
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 | $4,999.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,499.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,307.31 |
| Weekly | $1,153.65 |
| Hourly | $28.84 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $59,990 salary, see how much house you can afford in Missouri at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Graphic Designer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $61,000 | 2,010 |
| Topeka, KS | $55,630 | 110 |
| Lawrence, KS | $54,290 | 120 |
| Wichita, KS | $52,570 | 300 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $51,180 | 40 |
| Manhattan, KS | $49,800 | 60 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $49,690 | 80 |
| Columbia, MO | $49,490 | 140 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $49,440 | 80 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $48,260 | 110 |
| Springfield, MO | $47,790 | 310 |
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 Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Kansas City, MO-KS
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,370 | $20.85 |
| Interior Designer | $65,160 | $31.33 |
| Floral Designer | $35,950 | $17.29 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $80,450 | $38.68 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $53,310 | $25.63 |
| Fashion Designer | $59,150 | $28.44 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $47,630 | $22.90 |
| Art Director | $88,610 | $42.60 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $69,820 | $33.57 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $45,100 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $68,050 | $32.72 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $37,650 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $66,470 | $31.96 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,300 | $24.18 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Kansas City, MO-KS
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 Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area is $59,990 a year, or $28.84 an hour. Pay ranges from $41,100 for the lowest-paid 10% to $97,290 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area earn at least $97,290 a year. The top 25% earn $75,550 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Kansas City, MO-KS?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $41,100 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $48,730 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Kansas City, MO-KS?
About 1,720 graphic designers are employed in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area, not counting the self-employed.