CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Graphic Designer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$43,204/yr
Typical range: $40,672 – $52,504
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Graphic Designer salary by experience level in Chicago
Graphic Designer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $43,204 | $3,600 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $55,747 | $4,646 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $65,038 | $5,420 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $73,586 | $6,132 | +70% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $89,196 | $7,433 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $101,460 | $8,455 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $104,526 | $8,711 | +142% |
Current Salary
$43,204
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $21/hr
Next Level Target
$55,747
Junior · 2
+$13Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
21/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Graphic Designer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Graphic Designers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $43K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Graphic Designer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $43K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $21/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Graphic Designer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Graphic Designer in Chicago, IL earns $92K–$119K/yr.