Graphic Designer Salary in Missouri

When looking for a job, salary is one of the most important factors. After all, you’ll need to know if your job will allow you to live comfortably, pay the bills, and have something left over to use for entertainment.

Yet, what is a graphic designer’s salary in Missouri? You may be wondering if it’s enough to support yourself and if it will allow you to save for retirement. Find all the answers to your questions below.

The Average Salary of a Graphic Designer in Missouri

On average, a graphic designer’s salary in Missouri is typically around $47,000 per year. This means that an entry-level graphic designer can expect to make approximately $17 per hour. The wage for graphic designers in this area of the U.S. is 13% below the national average.

However, there are various opportunities that graphic designers can take to increase it. In fact, some people can work in graphic design and make $69,000 each year. On the other hand, the lowest amount you can expect to make is $32,000.

Even though the average salary for graphic designers in this state is below average, it’s still a good wage considering the cost of living ranges 5-10% below the national average.

Average Salary for Graphic Designers in Top Cities of Missouri

How much you make in Missouri can depend on the city you live in as well. According to Indeed, the highest salaries for graphic designers in Missouri’s cities are as follows:

• Creve Coeur: $54,445

• Chesterfield: $50,747

• Kansas City: $49,515

• St. Louis: $48,237

• Wentzville: $47,875

• Columbia: $46,794

• Fenton: $45,128

• Ozark: $42,616

• Springfield: $40,137

A Graphic Designer’s Salary in Missouri by Years of Experience

When looking into a graphic designer’s salary in Missouri, several other important factors determine your potential earnings. The most obvious is your experience level — the more years of experience you have under your belt, the more you can expect to make.

As a graphic designer in Missouri, here’s how much you can expect to earn by the end of your career:

• 0-1 years: $40,059

• 1-3 years: $40,947

• 4-6 years: $43,190

• 7-9 years: $46,068

• 10+ years: $61,060

The Top-Paying Industries for a Graphic Designer in Missouri

Graphic designers are in demand in Missouri, and it’s easy to see why. Missouri is a state that’s rich in culture and history — and it has produced lots of art and design over the years. The state is also home to many corporations, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for graphic designers to work on logos, brochures, websites and more.

In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3,710 graphic designers were working in Missouri as of May 2021. That’s on the upper end of the employment spectrum, considering half of the nation has under 2,000 graphic design workers. 

In Missouri, these are the current top-paying industries where graphic designers can work:

• Information Technology: $54,571

• Insurance: $54,428

• Financial Services: $51,620

• Media & Communications: $46,882

• Human Resources and Staffing: $45,943

The Top-Paying Companies Hiring for Graphic Designers in Missouri

Missouri has a variety of opportunities for those with a background in design. Whether you want to work at a large corporation or a smaller startup, plenty of companies are hiring.

Below is a compilation of top-paying companies hiring graphic designers in Missouri:

• Control4: $111,000

• Cabrillo College: $77,875

• Voyant Beauty: $71,371

• Core Home: $62,090

• Colliers: $60,479

• Morris National: $58,821

• Williams Lea: $58,005

• Sundance Institute: $57,808

• YMCA: $57,787

• POP Fit Clothing: $57,601

What Is the Job Outlook for a Graphic Designer in Missouri?

According to data, the projected growth rate for graphic designers is 2% between 2020-2030 — this is lower than the national average, which is 3%. Therefore, the visual design field is experiencing a slow growth rate due to low demand and high competition.

Various employers are in less need of graphic designers for many reasons. For one, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are infiltrating the field. While there is still the need for human intervention in AI design, job growth in this sector needs to be more robust.

Another factor that is causing a decrease in this industry is because of a reduction in print-based publications. With fewer books, newspapers and magazines being printed, fewer positions are available for graphic designers.

Yet, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any job opportunities available. Though certain areas of graphic design can be harder to get into, there will always be a demand for graphic designers.

Therefore, the best way to stay on top of this industry is to move toward areas where there’s a need for designers.

Top Skills That Will Make You More Successful as a Graphic Designer

As a graphic designer, you know that being good at your work is all about having the right skills.

While we’re all born with different talents, we can all learn new skills as well. It’s the key to earning higher salaries in your career. Here are some of the top skills that will make you more successful as a graphic designer.

Programming

You don’t need to be a coding wizard, but knowing enough programming will allow you to fill in gaps in your design by creating custom scripts and plugins.

Adobe Photoshop

While knowing how to use Adobe Photoshop is not necessary, it’s definitely helpful. This skill allows you to manipulate images and create digital artwork from scratch.

Adobe Illustrator

Like Photoshop, this is another software program that many graphic designers use for their work. It allows users to create professional-quality illustrations and graphics for websites, brochures, reports, logos and other marketing materials.

Design Thinking Processes

Graphic designers need to be able to think outside of the box when problem-solving. They must be able to find creative solutions that solve problems without breaking budget or time constraints.

The design thinking process helps them do this by encouraging brainstorming sessions so team members develop new ideas rather than what they might do during these sessions alone!

Typography

Typography is the art of arranging type, and it’s one of the most important skills you can have as a graphic designer. If you’re not into typography, you could get by without it — but if you want to be successful in your career, you should learn how to do it well.

Color Theory

Color theory is more complex than learning what colors look good together. It also involves understanding how colors affect people emotionally and psychologically. Therefore, you need to know how to use color theory in your designs to create truly compelling work.

An Eye for Design

It would be best if you also had an eye for design. Having the skill to pick out a good design versus a poor one is important, so you can spot problems with your own work and improve it accordingly.

Communication Skills

Good communication skills are essential for success in any field — and graphic design is no exception! You’ll need to be able to explain ideas clearly and effectively to clients, colleagues, and other people who work in the same field as you do.

Basic Computer Skills

It would help if you also understood basic computer programs like Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint because almost everyone who works uses them.

Graphic Designers Have Many Opportunities To Find Employment in Missouri

Many opportunities await you in Missouri if you work in graphic design. While the average graphic designer’s salary in Missouri is below the national average, you can still make a good living.

However, given the lower demand for designers in this field, expect competition to be high. Make yourself stand out by gaining the skills listed above, and continue working on building your portfolio to earn more.