Graphic Designer Salary in Iowa

Graphic designers have a unique skill set in demand across various industries. Yet, when you’re thinking of getting started in the field or looking to make a career move — it’s essential to have the salary information on hand to plan your next steps. If you’re located in Iowa, you’re most likely wondering how much a graphic designer makes in this state.

The good news is that Iowa has a thriving job market for graphic designers, with plenty of opportunities to make a higher salary. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the average graphic designer’s salary in Iowa and the latest information to make informed decisions about your career and salary expectations.

Average Graphic Designer Salary in Iowa

The average graphic designer’s salary in Iowa is an important factor when evaluating your career. That’s because it gives you the opportunity to achieve financial stability. Salary is one of the primary sources of income, and a good one ensures you can pay your bills, save for your future and support your lifestyle.

Another reason it’s essential to know this information is because it’s relevant to how satisfied you are with your job. When you earn a salary that corresponds with your skills, experience and responsibilities, your motivation and productivity increase. In turn, these values reflect your work ethic, leading you to more opportunities and achieving your career goals.

With this in mind, the average salary for graphic designers in Iowa is $44,450 annually. While this salary expectation is slightly lower than the national average, the state offers designers a high quality of life. With the right skills and experience, you can still earn a competitive salary and enjoy a fulfilling career as a graphic designer in Iowa.

Salary Comparison With Other States

When considering a career as a graphic designer in Iowa, reviewing the average salary with other states may be helpful. According to research, the national average salary for graphic designers is $50,710 yearly. Even with the national average being higher than Iowa’s average salary for graphic designers, the cost of living is generally lower in this state, which can offset the difference in pay.

Some states with higher average salaries for graphic designers include California, New York, Massachusetts and Washington. California has one of the highest average salaries for designers in the country at $70,090 annually. Meanwhile, New York and Massachusetts offer average salaries of $63,770 and $71,770, respectively.

Although, these states also have a higher cost of living, which impacts the overall value of the salary. Therefore, it’s important to consider the living costs alongside the salary when comparing job opportunities in different states.

Local Salary Data

When evaluating career information for graphic designers in Iowa, it’s essential to consider the local salary data. That way, you get a more accurate understanding of what to expect to earn in your region. Local salary data can provide a more granular view of the job market in your area and help you make better decisions about your career.

According to data from ZipRecruiter, the average salary for graphic designers in Des Moines is $44,002, while the average salary in Cedar Rapids is $42,909. Though the average salary in Des Moines is higher, the cost of living could contribute to this, impacting the overall quality of life.

Another factor that can impact these salary differences is the local job market and industry size. For example, Des Moines has a larger advertising and marketing industry, which tends to offer higher salaries for graphic designers than other industries. On the other hand, Cedar Rapids has a large publishing and printing industry, which may offer lower wages in comparison.

Top-Paying Companies For Graphic Designers in Iowa

In addition to comparing salary data for major cities in Iowa, it is also important to consider which companies offer the highest salaries for graphic designers. According to data from Glassdoor, the top-paying companies for graphic designers in Iowa are typically larger corporations or agencies with a national or global presence. Here are a few examples:

Principal Financial Group

• Based in Des Moines, Principal Financial Group is a global financial services company that offers retirement, investment and insurance solutions.
• Data research shows the average salary for a graphic designer at Principal Financial Group is $48,772.
• The company’s other benefits include health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off.

University of Iowa

• Based in Iowa City, The University of Iowa is a public research university offering various undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Glassdoor’s data shows the average salary for graphic designers at the University of Iowa is $60,500.
• Additionally, working at the university may offer opportunities for professional development and collaboration with other departments and researchers.

Dupaco Community Credit Union

• Based in Dubuque, Dupaco Community Credit Union is a non-profit financial cooperative offering members banking services.
• According to Glassdoor, the average salary for graphic designers at Dupaco Community Credit Union is $60,480.
• Working at a credit union like Dupaco may offer opportunities to work with a diverse set of clients and to develop skills in areas such as branding and marketing.

It’s worth noting that salary data can vary depending on factors such as job title, experience level and location within the company. Additionally, smaller companies or startups may offer opportunities for graphic designers to take on more varied and creative projects, even if the salary is lower than at larger corporations.

Future Outlook for Graphic Designer Salary in Iowa

According to Projections Central, employment of graphic designers in Iowa is expected to increase by 10.2% between 2020 and 2030. The projected increase in the job outlook for graphic designers in Iowa may reflect the growing need for visual content in agriculture, manufacturing, health care and finance. 

Iowa’s economy is diverse, and the need for skilled graphic designers has increased due to the changing market conditions. For instance, branding is essential in today’s competitive marketplace because companies need to differentiate themselves. Whether it’s a well-designed logo or marketing campaign, businesses in Iowa need graphic designers to stand out and attract customers.

Another factor that has increased the need for graphic designers is e-commerce. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of online shopping. Therefore, businesses need to create visually compelling product images and web designs to drive sales.

Additionally, with the rise of social media and other digital platforms, companies must create engaging content that captures users’ attention. As with any piece of content, graphic designers play a critical role in this space.

Graphic designers are essential to many industries in Iowa, and their skills are highly needed in vast areas of specialties. Yet, as the economy continues to evolve, the demand for graphic designers will likely remain strong.

Promising Opportunities for Graphic Designers in Iowa

It’s true the average salary for graphic designers in Iowa is lower than the national average. Yet, the demand for skilled designers remains high. With the projected job growth of 10% over the next decade, Iowa provides ample opportunities for designers looking to build their careers.

Additionally, Iowa’s lower cost of living and the state’s friendly business climate make it an attractive place to live and work. As the state’s economy continues to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions — the need for skilled graphic designers will be in high demand.