Graphic Designer salary in Kentucky
Graphic Designers in Kentucky earn a median of $52,960 a year ($25.46 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,060 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,620 for the lowest-paid 10% to $81,690 for the top 10%. That is 16% lower than the national median of $62,960. Kentucky ranks 42nd of 51 states for graphic designers pay. There are 1.0 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $56,050, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Kentucky
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,620 | $15.68 |
| 25th percentile | $42,210 | $20.29 |
| Median | $52,960 | $25.46 |
| 75th percentile | $65,330 | $31.41 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $81,690 | $39.28 |
| Average (mean) | $56,050 | $26.95 |
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 | $4,413.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,206.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,036.92 |
| Weekly | $1,018.46 |
| Hourly | $25.46 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Graphic Designer salary in cities in Kentucky
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $62,260 | 1,730 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $58,880 | 380 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $57,340 | 820 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $48,540 | 40 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $48,520 | n/a |
| Bowling Green, KY | $47,650 | 100 |
| Owensboro, KY | $44,950 | 60 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $39,420 | 80 |
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 |
Related jobs in Kentucky
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $35,820 | $17.22 |
| Interior Designer | $59,240 | $28.48 |
| Floral Designer | $34,940 | $16.80 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $76,100 | $36.59 |
| Art Director | $76,160 | $36.61 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $48,050 | $23.10 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $53,260 | $25.61 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $50,970 | $24.51 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $35,570 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $60,150 | $28.92 |
| Producers and Directors | $54,550 | $26.23 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,320 | $23.23 |
| Editor | $59,430 | $28.57 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $53,590 | $25.77 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Kentucky
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 Kentucky?
The median salary for graphic designers in Kentucky is $52,960 a year, or $25.46 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,620 for the lowest-paid 10% to $81,690 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Kentucky?
The top 10% of graphic designers in Kentucky earn at least $81,690 a year. The top 25% earn $65,330 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,620 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $42,210 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Kentucky?
About 2,060 graphic designers are employed in Kentucky, not counting the self-employed.