How to Become A Graphic Designer in Iowa
Iowa employs approximately 2,100 graphic designers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $50,310 1. Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 2.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20,000 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a graphic designer in Iowa, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Graphic Designer in Iowa
How do I become a graphic designer in Iowa? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for graphic designers in Iowa.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do graphic designers earn in Iowa? The median annual wage for graphic designers in Iowa is $50,310 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $36,970 and experienced professionals can earn $75,510 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Iowa): $50,310 per year 1
Graphic Designer Wages by Metro Area in Iowa
Graphic Designers Wages by Metro Area in Iowa
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), graphic designers wages in Iowa vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | 1,020 | $58,020 | $58,860 | $36,100 | $79,120 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | 740 | $56,520 | $57,110 | $37,570 | $79,640 |
| Cedar Rapids | 200 | $58,520 | $58,100 | $40,170 | $76,340 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | 170 | $52,500 | $56,180 | $37,500 | $77,640 |
| Dubuque | 120 | $48,620 | $52,950 | $37,460 | $74,500 |
| Ames | 110 | $57,060 | $57,100 | $38,440 | $77,010 |
| Iowa City | 110 | $49,350 | $55,640 | $38,490 | $72,780 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | 110 | $51,060 | $52,830 | $36,870 | $69,220 |
| Sioux City | 60 | $47,270 | $53,480 | $37,370 | $76,480 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Graphic designers in Iowa
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest graphic designer employment within Iowa according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | 740 | $56,520 |
| Cedar Rapids | 200 | $58,520 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | 170 | $52,500 |
| Dubuque | 120 | $48,620 |
| Ames | 110 | $57,060 |
Explore graphic designer programs in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport.
Explore More Trades in Iowa
- Electrician in Iowa
- Plumber in Iowa
- HVAC Technician in Iowa
- Welder in Iowa
- Carpenter in Iowa
- Solar Installation Technician in Iowa
- Auto Mechanic in Iowa
- CNC Machinist in Iowa
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Iowa
- Medical Assistant in Iowa
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for graphic designers in Iowa? Iowa currently employs approximately 2,100 graphic designers 1. Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 2.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Iowa? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Iowa.
How much do graphic designers earn in Iowa compared to the national average? The median annual wage for graphic designers in Iowa is $50,310, which is $10,990 below the national median of $61,300 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |