Graphic Designer salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Graphic Designers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $56,520 a year ($27.17 an hour), based on BLS data for 740 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,570 for the lowest-paid 10% to $79,640 for the top 10%. That is 10% lower than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 12% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $50,310. There are 1.8 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $57,110, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,570 | $18.06 |
| 25th percentile | $46,380 | $22.30 |
| Median | $56,520 | $27.17 |
| 75th percentile | $68,140 | $32.76 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $79,640 | $38.29 |
| Average (mean) | $57,110 | $27.46 |
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 | $4,710 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,355 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,173.85 |
| Weekly | $1,086.92 |
| Hourly | $27.17 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $56,520 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Graphic Designer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $58,520 | 200 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $58,020 | 1,020 |
| Ames, IA | $57,060 | 110 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $52,500 | 170 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $51,060 | 110 |
| Iowa City, IA | $49,350 | 110 |
| Dubuque, IA | $48,620 | 120 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $47,270 | 60 |
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 Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,320 | $20.83 |
| Interior Designer | $57,840 | $27.81 |
| Art Director | $90,000 | $43.27 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $77,570 | $37.30 |
| Floral Designer | $37,590 | $18.07 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $50,640 | $24.35 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $70,660 | $33.97 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,710 | — |
| Editor | $63,720 | $30.64 |
| Producers and Directors | $62,370 | $29.99 |
| Technical Writer | $69,450 | $33.39 |
| Photographer | $42,080 | $20.23 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $55,400 | $26.63 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $54,230 | $26.07 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $56,520 a year, or $27.17 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,570 for the lowest-paid 10% to $79,640 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $79,640 a year. The top 25% earn $68,140 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,570 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $46,380 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 740 graphic designers are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.