Graphic Designer salary in Traverse City, MI
Graphic Designers in the Traverse City, MI metro area earn a median of $49,940 a year ($24.01 an hour), based on BLS data for 90 workers.
Pay ranges from $33,590 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,960 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 13% lower than the Michigan statewide median of $57,350. There are 1.4 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $54,340, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Traverse City, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,590 | $16.15 |
| 25th percentile | $43,790 | $21.05 |
| Median | $49,940 | $24.01 |
| 75th percentile | $63,640 | $30.60 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $74,960 | $36.04 |
| Average (mean) | $54,340 | $26.13 |
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 | $4,161.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,080.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,920.77 |
| Weekly | $960.38 |
| Hourly | $24.01 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
See Graphic Designer pay in every state or the Michigan statewide figures.
Related jobs in Traverse City, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,680 | $19.08 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,760 | $29.69 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $39,800 | — |
| Editor | $57,200 | $27.50 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $43.69 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Traverse City, MI
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 Traverse City, MI?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Traverse City, MI metro area is $49,940 a year, or $24.01 an hour. Pay ranges from $33,590 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,960 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Traverse City, MI?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Traverse City, MI metro area earn at least $74,960 a year. The top 25% earn $63,640 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Traverse City, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $33,590 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $43,790 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Traverse City, MI?
About 90 graphic designers are employed in the Traverse City, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.