Graphic Designer salary in Minnesota
Graphic Designers in Minnesota earn a median of $63,860 a year ($30.70 an hour), based on BLS data for 5,570 workers.
Pay ranges from $42,690 for the lowest-paid 10% to $96,960 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $62,960. Minnesota ranks 14th of 51 states for graphic designers pay. There are 1.9 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.5× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $68,280, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Minnesota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $42,690 | $20.52 |
| 25th percentile | $51,570 | $24.79 |
| Median | $63,860 | $30.70 |
| 75th percentile | $78,380 | $37.68 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $96,960 | $46.61 |
| Average (mean) | $68,280 | $32.83 |
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 | $5,321.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,660.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,456.15 |
| Weekly | $1,228.08 |
| Hourly | $30.70 |
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 Minnesota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $65,610 | 3,690 |
| Rochester, MN | $61,240 | 80 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $58,340 | 160 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $57,960 | 130 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $56,630 | 130 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $55,910 | 260 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $55,110 | 70 |
| Mankato, MN | $54,150 | 120 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $50,030 | 200 |
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 Minnesota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $45,730 | $21.99 |
| Interior Designer | $73,270 | $35.23 |
| Art Director | $109,700 | $52.74 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $94,370 | $45.37 |
| Floral Designer | $37,190 | $17.88 |
| Fashion Designer | $42,110 | $20.25 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $66,090 | $31.77 |
| Craft Artist | $27,560 | $13.25 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $64,990 | $31.24 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $61,730 | $29.68 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $68,620 | $32.99 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $48,050 | — |
| Editor | $62,650 | $30.12 |
| Producers and Directors | $76,360 | $36.71 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Minnesota
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 Minnesota?
The median salary for graphic designers in Minnesota is $63,860 a year, or $30.70 an hour. Pay ranges from $42,690 for the lowest-paid 10% to $96,960 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Minnesota?
The top 10% of graphic designers in Minnesota earn at least $96,960 a year. The top 25% earn $78,380 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Minnesota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $42,690 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $51,570 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Minnesota?
About 5,570 graphic designers are employed in Minnesota, not counting the self-employed.