Graphic Designer salary in Michigan
Graphic Designers in Michigan earn a median of $57,350 a year ($27.57 an hour), based on BLS data for 6,070 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,770 for the lowest-paid 10% to $86,320 for the top 10%. That is 9% lower than the national median of $62,960. Michigan ranks 31st of 51 states for graphic designers pay. There are 1.4 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $60,250, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Michigan
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,770 | $18.64 |
| 25th percentile | $46,370 | $22.29 |
| Median | $57,350 | $27.57 |
| 75th percentile | $70,400 | $33.85 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $86,320 | $41.50 |
| Average (mean) | $60,250 | $28.97 |
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 | $4,779.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,389.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,205.77 |
| Weekly | $1,102.88 |
| Hourly | $27.57 |
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 Michigan
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $60,210 | 2,710 |
| Jackson, MI | $60,010 | 50 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $59,990 | 320 |
| Battle Creek, MI | $59,040 | 40 |
| Niles, MI | $58,420 | 90 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $57,870 | 730 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $57,820 | 150 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $55,020 | 280 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $51,370 | 160 |
| Traverse City, MI | $49,940 | 90 |
| Flint, MI | $49,410 | 110 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $48,500 | 50 |
| Saginaw, MI | $47,480 | 80 |
| Midland, MI | $46,330 | 40 |
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 Michigan
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $36,710 | $17.65 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $102,160 | $49.12 |
| Interior Designer | $59,340 | $28.53 |
| Floral Designer | $35,890 | $17.25 |
| Art Director | $86,660 | $41.66 |
| Craft Artist | $25,960 | $12.48 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $63,830 | $30.69 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $86,630 | $41.65 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $38,650 | $18.58 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $50,910 | $24.48 |
| Fashion Designer | $63,430 | $30.50 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,050 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $65,300 | $31.39 |
| Producers and Directors | $65,720 | $31.60 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Michigan
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 Michigan?
The median salary for graphic designers in Michigan is $57,350 a year, or $27.57 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,770 for the lowest-paid 10% to $86,320 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Michigan?
The top 10% of graphic designers in Michigan earn at least $86,320 a year. The top 25% earn $70,400 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Michigan?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,770 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $46,370 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Michigan?
About 6,070 graphic designers are employed in Michigan, not counting the self-employed.