Graphic Designer salary in Iowa City, IA
Graphic Designers in the Iowa City, IA metro area earn a median of $49,350 a year ($23.73 an hour), based on BLS data for 110 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,490 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,780 for the top 10%. That is 22% lower than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 2% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $50,310. There are 1.2 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $55,640, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Iowa City, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,490 | $18.50 |
| 25th percentile | $46,990 | $22.59 |
| Median | $49,350 | $23.73 |
| 75th percentile | $61,940 | $29.78 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,780 | $34.99 |
| Average (mean) | $55,640 | $26.75 |
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 | $4,112.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,056.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,898.08 |
| Weekly | $949.04 |
| Hourly | $23.73 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $49,350 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 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $56,520 | 740 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $52,500 | 170 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $51,060 | 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 Iowa City, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,720 | $18.13 |
| Interior Designer | $58,890 | $28.31 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $64,170 | $30.85 |
| Editor | $63,440 | $30.50 |
| Producers and Directors | $63,090 | $30.33 |
| Writers and Authors | $49,000 | $23.56 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Iowa City, 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 Iowa City, IA?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Iowa City, IA metro area is $49,350 a year, or $23.73 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,490 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,780 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Iowa City, IA?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Iowa City, IA metro area earn at least $72,780 a year. The top 25% earn $61,940 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Iowa City, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,490 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $46,990 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Iowa City, IA?
About 110 graphic designers are employed in the Iowa City, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.