📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Graphic Designer Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$49,651
per year
Median
$48,132
per year
Hourly
$23.87
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$31,814
25th Percentile — Junior$42,504
50th Percentile — Median$48,132
75th Percentile — Senior$66,557
90th Percentile — Top Earners$75,986
💡 Top-earning Graphic Designers in Kentucky make up to $75,986 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$43.9k
2021
$45.0k
2022
$46.1k
2023
$47.3k
2024
$48.4k
2025
$49.7k
2026
📈 Graphic Designer salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Graphic Designer Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $41,707 -16.0% Medium
Lexington $41,707 -16.0% Medium
🔍
Graphic Designer Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Graphic Designers. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $49,651 per year, Kentucky's Graphic Designer salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $31,814–$42,504, while experienced Graphic Designers can command $66,557–$75,986.

Looking ahead, the Graphic Designer profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Graphic Designer salary in Kentucky is $49,651 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $59,820.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Graphic Designers the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Graphic Designer employment.
  • At $49,651/year, Kentucky Graphic Designer salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $59,820/year.