Graphic Designer salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Graphic Designers in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI metro area earn a median of $57,820 a year ($27.80 an hour), based on BLS data for 150 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $93,290 for the top 10%. That is 8% lower than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 1% higher than the Michigan statewide median of $57,350. There are 1.3 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $59,550, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,220 | $18.85 |
| 25th percentile | $44,930 | $21.60 |
| Median | $57,820 | $27.80 |
| 75th percentile | $66,130 | $31.79 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $93,290 | $44.85 |
| Average (mean) | $59,550 | $28.63 |
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 | $4,818.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,409.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,223.85 |
| Weekly | $1,111.92 |
| Hourly | $27.80 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $57,820 salary, see how much house you can afford in Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $55,020 | 280 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $51,370 | 160 |
| Traverse City, MI | $49,940 | 90 |
| 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,000 | $17.79 |
| Interior Designer | $59,820 | $28.76 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $80,150 | $38.53 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,260 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,660 | $29.64 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $53.07 |
| Producers and Directors | $61,030 | $29.34 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $60,210 | $28.95 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $61,610 | $29.62 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Kalamazoo-Portage, 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI metro area is $57,820 a year, or $27.80 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $93,290 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI metro area earn at least $93,290 a year. The top 25% earn $66,130 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,220 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $44,930 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
About 150 graphic designers are employed in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.