Graphic Designer salary in Rochester, MN
Graphic Designers in the Rochester, MN metro area earn a median of $61,240 a year ($29.44 an hour), based on BLS data for 80 workers.
Pay ranges from $45,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $91,370 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 4% lower than the Minnesota statewide median of $63,860. There are 0.67 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.53). The average (mean) salary is $64,670, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Rochester, MN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $45,510 | $21.88 |
| 25th percentile | $50,220 | $24.15 |
| Median | $61,240 | $29.44 |
| 75th percentile | $77,290 | $37.16 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $91,370 | $43.93 |
| Average (mean) | $64,670 | $31.09 |
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 | $5,103.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,551.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,355.38 |
| Weekly | $1,177.69 |
| Hourly | $29.44 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Graphic Designer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $65,610 | 3,690 |
| 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 |
See Graphic Designer pay in every state or the Minnesota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Rochester, MN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,430 | $18.00 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $74,830 | $35.98 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $59,000 | — |
| Interpreters and Translators | $64,820 | $31.17 |
| Producers and Directors | $72,580 | $34.89 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $44,230 | — |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Rochester, MN
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 Rochester, MN?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Rochester, MN metro area is $61,240 a year, or $29.44 an hour. Pay ranges from $45,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $91,370 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Rochester, MN?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Rochester, MN metro area earn at least $91,370 a year. The top 25% earn $77,290 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Rochester, MN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $45,510 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $50,220 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Rochester, MN?
About 80 graphic designers are employed in the Rochester, MN metro area, not counting the self-employed.