Graphic Designer Salary in Idaho

When someone mentions Idaho, you might think of potatoes or trout. The state is filled with gorgeous landscapes and outdoor adventures. Located in the northwestern portion of the United States, it boasts Shoshone Falls Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Hell’s Canyon. A graphic designer salary in Idaho will be comparable to surrounding areas and the cost of living is reasonable enough for one to thrive. 

The capital of the state is Boise, which is pushed up against the foothills of the Rocky Mountain land range. If you’re looking for a place where you can live, work and raise a family all while enjoying the great outdoors, Idaho has a lot to offer. The range of outdoor activities alone will keep you busy. You can hike, swim, cycle, go whitewater rafting or take to the mountains for skiing and snowboarding. 

Those who love to fish will enjoy the abundant fishing opportunities in this area. Artists can appreciate the natural beauty and sketch or photograph wildlife and landscapes. 

How Much Is a Graphic Designer Salary in Idaho?

Indeed estimates the average graphic designer salary in Idaho is about $17.83 per hour, or around $48,088 per year.Whether you choose work in a big city, such as Boise, or find a more rural location will determine your earning potential in the state. 

The national average for graphic designer salaries is $50,710 per year, so Idaho ranks pretty close to what others are making across the country. Obviously, more experience or specialized skills bring higher wages. 

Some areas in the state are quite rural, so if moving there and the place is new to you, make sure you do your research on internet connectivity. You may be able to secure higher wages by working remotely for a company out of California, New York or other high-paying areas. However, if you don’t have a reliable internet connection, you’ll struggle to excel in any remote career.

One option is to buy a home that is rural but within driving distance of a larger city. You can always rent shared office space for working hours or go to a coffee shop or other public location offering high-speed WiFi. 

Average Cost of Living in Idaho

Idaho hits right in the middle as far as cost of living at number 25. You’ll pay around $35,459 per year to meet your basic housing and living needs in the area. Housing costs run between $625 and $1,309 per month, with an average home value of about $446,000. Housing is slightly higher than the national average but not as high as some western states. 

Utilities are on par with the rest of the nation. Expect to pay around $95 per month for electric, $53 per month for gas and $38 per month for water. 

Food runs around $270 per person per month. However, you can offset some of these costs by growing your own food on a rural piece of land or buying locally and from farmer’s markets. 

One of your biggest costs might be transportation. If you choose to live outside of a major city, fuel and repairs can add up fast. You may also need a vehicle able to function in snowy conditions as Idaho has some of the harshest winters in the nation at times. Do you long for traditional, snow-covered trees and white Christmas celebrations? Idaho is your place. 

How Much Is a Graphic Designer Salary in Idaho–Boise?

Glassdoor estimates a graphic designer salary in Idaho in the Boise area is between $33,000 and $73,000 per year. Senior graphic designers make closer to $91,000 per year. 

The cost of living and rates are comparable to places such as Indianaplis, where the average salary is $58,657 and cost of living about $38,097 per year. The price of housing is a bit higher in Idaho but not significantly enough to make a huge difference.

Science and technology sectors are hot in Boise, so you may want to seek skills to help you land a role with these types of companies. 

Some things you can do to increase your earning power include putting in time and gaining experience in high-demand areas such as working user experience design or particular styles. You could also specialize in the type of companies you work with, finding a niche in a particular industry that is stable and most likely to offer regular raises and excellent benefits.

Are you thinking about striking out on your own and working freelance as a graphic designer? You can expand your productivity with artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT and Dall-E. The more clients you can serve, the more you’ll make per year. 

Just remember that AI is a useful tool but should never replace original works. You can use it for brainstorming, initial concepts, but should then add your own human spin to things. 

How Much Is a Graphic Designer Salary in Meridian, Idaho?

Expect to make slightly less if you move to the smaller town of Meridian. Indeed estimates the average salary drops to $49,590 per year, about 7% below the national average. 

Consider specialty areas such as the lumber industry. Some of the larger companies in the area include Hill Construction Company, Idaho Timber and Northwest Lineman College. 

There are fewer positions available in Meridian and the pay is a bit lower. Instead, you might want to consider towns such as Eagle with an average annual salary of $55,520 per year, or Lewiston with a reported range of around $53,130 per year. 

Should You Move to Idaho?

Idaho is the perfect backdrop for nature enthusiasts. If you like wholesome living, beautiful settings and long hikes, you’ll likely enjoy living and working in this state. The pace of life is a bit slower than in some other states and cities, but people are still sharp and understand the latest technological advances.

Pros

• Affordable housing 
• Beautiful scenery 
• Close-knit communities 
• Adventurous and inexpensive outdoor activities 
• Low cost of living 
• Low crime rate

Cons

• Much of state is quite rural
• Internet connectivity spotty in some areas
• Pay lower than average in smaller towns
• Harsh winters
• Higher transportation costs
• Few attractions or entertainment venues–most things are outdoor activities

Decide whether your personality matches the lifestyle of the state. Some people love spending lots of time outside, hiking and experiencing nature. Others absolutely loathe the outdoors. Knowing what you enjoy in your free time will help you decide if the graphic designer salary in Idaho works for your needs or you’d prefer to settle elsewhere.

Do You Love Huckleberries?

Idaho is probably best known for growing potatoes, but they actually have ample huckleberries, too. You can find almost anything imaginable in the flavor, from ice cream to pies. If you’re a huge huckleberry fan, it might almost be worth moving to the state to enjoy the abundance of flavors in the warmer months. 

The graphic designer salary in Idaho is comparable to the cost of living. As long as a job offers a fair rate based on what others are paying in the city you’ve applied to, your only decision about whether or not to move here is whether you enjoy outdoor activities and can withstand the harsher winter weather. If the answer is yes and you really want a small-town feel for a decent price, Idaho should be on your list of places to seek a graphic designer job.