Entry-level Graphic Designer salary in Chicago, IL
Based on 10 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level I in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Riverwoods, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Northbrook, Elk Grove Village.
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $43,820 |
| 25th | $44,440 |
| 50th (median) | $47,920 |
| 75th | $51,480 |
| 90th | $53,700 |
Cost of living
Chicago's median entry-level Graphic Designer salary of $47,920 is worth about $46,300 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Chicago = 103.6).
Compared with all workers here
All Graphic Designers in the Chicago, IL area earned a median of $66,490 in May 2025 (6,590 employed). The H-1B median here is $47,920, 28% lower.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metropolitan area estimates. BLS wages include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are base salary.
Employers filing at this level
| Employer | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Piazza Italia | too few | 2 |
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $47,920 | 10 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $62,400 | 21 |
| Senior · Level III | $66,747 | 12 |
| Expert · Level IV | $119,676 | 11 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.
Minimum H-1B salary by level
| Wage level | Prevailing wage (most common) | Median offered salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $42,203 | $47,920 | 10 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $52,541 | $62,400 | 21 |
| Senior · Level III | $66,747 | $66,747 | 12 |
| Expert · Level IV | $78,187 | $119,676 | 11 |
The prevailing wage is the minimum an employer must pay for this job and area. Amounts vary by county within a metro and by wage source.