Graphic Designer salary in Missouri
Graphic Designers in Missouri earn a median of $56,750 a year ($27.28 an hour), based on BLS data for 4,500 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,950 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,270 for the top 10%. That is 10% lower than the national median of $62,960. Missouri ranks 35th of 51 states for graphic designers pay. There are 1.5 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $59,660, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Missouri
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,950 | $17.76 |
| 25th percentile | $45,420 | $21.84 |
| Median | $56,750 | $27.28 |
| 75th percentile | $70,920 | $34.10 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $83,270 | $40.04 |
| Average (mean) | $59,660 | $28.69 |
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 | $4,729.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,364.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,182.69 |
| Weekly | $1,091.35 |
| Hourly | $27.28 |
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 Missouri
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $61,000 | 2,010 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $59,990 | 1,720 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $51,180 | 40 |
| 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 |
Related jobs in Missouri
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $42,890 | $20.62 |
| Floral Designer | $34,210 | $16.45 |
| Interior Designer | $59,610 | $28.66 |
| Art Director | $100,940 | $48.53 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $51,610 | $24.81 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $75,440 | $36.27 |
| Craft Artist | $61,780 | $29.70 |
| Designers, All Other | $48,320 | $23.23 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $49,820 | $23.95 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $63,130 | $30.35 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $65,470 | $31.48 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,130 | $29.39 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $42,790 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $66,460 | $31.95 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Missouri
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 Missouri?
The median salary for graphic designers in Missouri is $56,750 a year, or $27.28 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,950 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,270 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Missouri?
The top 10% of graphic designers in Missouri earn at least $83,270 a year. The top 25% earn $70,920 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Missouri?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,950 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $45,420 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Missouri?
About 4,500 graphic designers are employed in Missouri, not counting the self-employed.