How long does it take to become a graphic designer in Minnesota?

Most paths into the graphic designer field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.

What apprenticeships are available for graphic designers in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, registered apprenticeships are administered through the Apprenticeship Minnesota, which works with employers and trade union locals to register programs. See the apprenticeship section above for office contact details.

How to Become A Graphic Designer in Minnesota

Q: How much do graphic designers earn in Minnesota?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), graphic designers in Minnesota earned a median annual wage of approximately $63,860. Employment concentration in Minnesota is about 1.48 times the national average for this occupation.

Q: What is the job outlook for graphic designers in Minnesota?

Minnesota currently employs approximately 5,570 workers, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2.1% national employment change for this occupation from 2024 to 2034.

Updated June 8, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Minnesota graphic designers earn a median annual wage of $63,860 ($30.70/hr) according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), with about 5,570 workers employed statewide. The state median is approximately 1.4% above the national median of $62,960 for the same occupation.

Key Takeaways

Median annual pay: $63,860 ($30.70/hr)
25th percentile: $51,570 per year
75th percentile: $78,380 per year
Top 10% earn: more than $96,960 per year
Entry-level (bottom 10%): under $42,690 per year
Workers employed in Minnesota: 5,570
Versus national median: 1.4% above the U.S. median of $62,960
Job concentration: Location quotient 1.48 - this occupation is more concentrated in Minnesota than the national average

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Last reviewed June 8, 2026.

Minnesota employs approximately 5,570 graphic designers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $63,860 ¹. The state’s concentration of graphic designer jobs is 1.48x the national average, indicating strong demand. 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 Minnesota, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.

Quick Answers About Becoming A Graphic Designer in Minnesota

How do I become a graphic designer in Minnesota? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for graphic designers in Minnesota.

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 Minnesota? The median annual wage for graphic designers in Minnesota is $63,860 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $42,690 and experienced professionals can earn $96,960 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 (Minnesota): $63,860 per year ¹

Graphic Designer Wages by Metro Area in Minnesota

Graphic Designers Wages by Metro Area in Minnesota

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), graphic designers wages in Minnesota vary by metro area.

Metro Area	Employment	Median Annual Wage	Avg. Annual Wage	Entry Level (10th pctile)	Experienced (90th pctile)
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington	3,690	$65,610	$72,700	$46,900	$101,890
Fargo	260	$55,910	$56,230	$38,130	$78,020
Sioux Falls	200	$50,030	$51,900	$36,900	$65,750
St. Cloud	160	$58,340	$58,600	$39,250	$76,430
Duluth	130	$57,960	$57,040	$36,090	$80,020
La Crosse-Onalaska	130	$56,630	$58,140	$41,410	$78,640
Mankato	120	$54,150	$59,250	$38,730	$86,380
Rochester	80	$61,240	$64,670	$45,510	$91,370
Grand Forks	70	$55,110	$56,840	$37,020	$77,580

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 Minnesota

The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest graphic designer employment within Minnesota according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).

Metro Area	Employment	Median Annual Wage
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington	3,690	$65,610
St. Cloud	160	$58,340
Duluth	130	$57,960
Mankato	120	$54,150
Rochester	80	$61,240

Explore graphic designer programs in Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Duluth.

Explore More Trades in Minnesota

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for graphic designers in Minnesota? Minnesota currently employs approximately 5,570 graphic designers ¹. Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 2.1% from 2024 to 2034 ².

What training programs are available in Minnesota? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Minnesota.

How much do graphic designers earn in Minnesota compared to the national average? The median annual wage for graphic designers in Minnesota is $63,860, which is $2,560 above the national median of $61,300 according to BLS data ¹.

Citations

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/ ↩︎ ↩︎

About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.