Graphic Designer in Salina, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Salina Stands

As a local who’s watched Salina’s creative scene evolve over the years, I can tell you that the salary picture here is a tale of two realities. It’s affordable, yes, but that comes with a trade-off in raw earning potential compared to major metros. Let’s break it down with hard data.

The median salary for a Graphic Designer in Salina is $59,131/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $28.43/hour. It’s crucial to understand this is a median, meaning half of all designers here earn more, and half earn less. For context, the national average for Graphic Designers sits at $61,340/year, so Salina’s median is just slightly below the U.S. norm. This isn’t a dramatic gap, but it’s a consistent feature of the Salina market.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect based on experience:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Annual Salary Range (Est.)	Key Responsibilities in Salina
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Junior Designer, Production Artist	$42,000 - $52,000	Assisting senior staff, preparing print-ready files, basic social media graphics, learning agency or in-house workflows.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	Graphic Designer, Brand Specialist	$55,000 - $68,000	Leading projects from concept to completion, client presentations, managing junior staff, maintaining brand guidelines for local clients.
Senior-Level (8-12 yrs)	Senior Designer, Art Direction (Associate)	$65,000 - $80,000+	Art direction, high-level client strategy, complex project management, mentoring, and possibly overseeing a small creative team.
Expert/Lead (12+ yrs)	Creative Director, Lead Designer	$75,000 - $95,000+	Leading the creative vision for an agency or large in-house team, business development, and high-stakes client relations.

Insider Tip: The jump from Entry to Mid-Level is the most significant in Salina. The 10-year job growth for this field in the metro area is only 3%. This is a critical data point. It means competition for desirable mid-level and senior roles is relatively stable but not rapidly expanding. You’re not competing against a flood of new grads, but the pool of experienced talent is also limited, making networking and reputation-building essential for advancement.

Compared to Other Kansas Cities:

• Wichita: The state’s largest metro likely has more opportunities and slightly higher top-end pay (especially for in-house roles at aviation giants like Textron), but the cost of living is also higher.
• Kansas City: A different world entirely. Salaries can be 15-25% higher, but so is the rent and competition. Salina offers a vastly different lifestyle and pace.
• Manhattan (KS): Home to K-State, which creates a consistent need for design work for the university, but the market is smaller and more seasonal around the academic calendar.

Bottom Line: Salina offers a competitive middle-ground salary for the Midwest, but it’s not a place to chase top-tier national wages. You trade potential high earnings for a significantly lower cost of living and a more manageable, community-focused lifestyle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. Earning the median $59,131/year means a monthly gross income of approximately $4,928. After federal, state (KS has a progressive income tax), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay is likely closer to $3,800 - $4,000 per month, depending on your deductions.

Now, let’s layer in the local cost of living, starting with the biggest expense: rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Salina rents for about $792/month. This is a massive advantage over national averages.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Graphic Designer earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for Salina
Take-Home Pay	$3,850	After taxes & basic deductions.
Rent (1BR)	$792	20% of take-home pay. A very healthy ratio.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$150	Salina has moderate utility costs; winter heating can spike.
Groceries	$300	Competitive pricing at local chains like Dillons and Walmart.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential—public transit is limited.
Gas	$120	Commutes are short, but the city is spread out.
Health Insurance (Employer)	$250	Varies widely; some employers offer excellent plans.
Savings & Retirement (10%)	$385	Critical for long-term financial health.
Discretionary (Entertainment, Eating Out)	$453	Plenty left for local events, restaurants, and hobbies.
TOTAL	$2,850	Leaves a buffer of ~$1,000 for unexpected expenses or savings.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. With a Cost of Living Index of 88.0 (US avg = 100), your money goes further here. The median home price in Salina County hovers around $150,000 - $170,000. A 20% down payment would be $30,000 - $34,000. Given the potential monthly savings from the budget above ($1,000+), a dedicated designer could save a down payment in 2.5-3 years. Mortgage payments (with taxes/insurance) on a $140,000 loan could be around $900-$1,000/month, which is often comparable to rent. This is one of the biggest financial advantages for professionals in Salina.

Where the Jobs Are: Salina's Major Employers

With only 92 graphic design jobs in the metro, the market is tight. You won’t find the density of agencies found in a big city, but there are solid, stable employers. The key sectors are agriculture, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

1. Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC): The largest employer in Salina. Their in-house marketing/communications department is the most consistent source of design jobs. They need designers for patient education materials, internal communications, fundraising campaigns, and digital patient portals. Hiring is infrequent but stable.
2. Salina Public Schools (USD 305): The district employs designers for curriculum materials, event promotions, and community outreach. It’s a great fit for those who enjoy educational and family-focused work. Positions are often posted on the KSDE (Kansas State Department of Education) job board.
3. Local Marketing Agencies: Salina has a handful of full-service agencies. The largest, The Marketing & Media Group (M&MG), handles everything from print to digital for regional clients. Another key player is Schwab & Company, which works with agricultural and industrial clients. These agencies are the best bet for variety and growth but can be competitive.
4. K-State Salina (Aviation & Technology): While not a massive employer, the university’s campus in Salina (part of Kansas State University) has a small need for design work for its programs and events. It’s a niche but rewarding opportunity, especially for those interested in aerospace/tech visuals.
5. Salina Municipal Government & Tourism: The City of Salina and the Salina Convention & Visitors Bureau occasionally hire for design roles to manage city branding, event promotions (like the Smoky Hill River Festival), and visitor guides. These are highly competitive and rare.
6. Large Local Businesses: Companies like M&T Collection (financial services) and The Herington Company (agriculture) have small in-house marketing teams that may need design support. It’s worth networking to uncover these hidden opportunities.

Insider Hiring Trend: There’s a slow but growing shift from pure print to digital-first design, especially in marketing agencies and healthcare. Designers with strong skills in web design (WordPress, basic HTML/CSS), social media video, and digital ad creation will have a distinct edge.

Getting Licensed in KS

This is the easiest part of the process: Kansas does not require a specific state license to practice as a graphic designer. There is no state board or mandatory certification for graphic design (unlike fields like architecture or cosmetology).

However, being a savvy professional means understanding related formalities:

1. Business License: If you plan to freelance or start your own studio, you will need a business license from the City of Salina. The cost is typically under $100 for the first year. You’ll file with the Salina City Clerk’s office.
2. Sales Tax Permit: If you sell tangible goods (e.g., printed merchandise) or provide taxable services, you need a sales tax permit from the Kansas Department of Revenue. This is free to obtain.
3. Professional Certifications (Optional but Recommended): While not state-mandated, industry certifications can boost your credibility. Consider:
   • Adobe Certified Professional (ACP): Validates expertise in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. Cost: ~$125 per exam.
   • AIGA Professional Certification: A respected industry credential. Requires a fee and portfolio review.
4. Timeline to Get Started: You can begin applying for jobs the moment you have a portfolio. There is no state-mandated waiting period or coursework requirement. Securing a business license, if needed, can be done in a matter of days.

Best Neighborhoods for Graphic Designers

Living in Salina means choosing between historic charm, modern convenience, and quiet suburban life. Commutes are almost never an issue—the longest drive across town is 15-20 minutes in traffic.

1. Downtown / Historic District: The heart of Salina’s creative energy. You’ll be close to the Salina Art Center, coffee shops, and potential agency offices. It’s walkable, vibrant, and attracts a younger, professional crowd. Rent for a 1BR in a renovated historic building: $850 - $1,100/month. Best for those who want an urban vibe in a small town.
2. South Salina / Magnolia Area: A mix of older, well-kept homes and newer apartments. It’s family-friendly, with good schools and easy access to I-70. Excellent for a quiet home office setup. Rent for a 1BR: $700 - $850/month. Ideal for a balanced work-life routine.
3. West Salina / Near K-State Salina Campus: Quieter and more suburban. Great for those who prioritize space and may have a longer commute to downtown (but still only 10-15 minutes). Parking is easier, and you get more square footage for your money. Rent for a 1BR: $650 - $800/month. Perfect for freelancers needing a dedicated studio space.
4. Near the Salina Regional Health Center (East/Medical District): Very convenient if you land a job at SRHC. The area is practical with plenty of amenities nearby. It’s less about "neighborhood charm" and more about function. Rent for a 1BR: $750 - $950/month. A smart choice for prioritizing short commute times.

Insider Tip: The rental market is tight. Good units, especially in Downtown and South Salina, go fast. Be prepared to sign a lease quickly when you find the right place.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of 3%, you’re not looking at explosive expansion. Growth here is tactical and personal. You won’t climb by jumping to a bigger company every two years; you’ll climb by becoming indispensable in your niche.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Digital & Web Skills: A designer who can also build simple websites (via Squarespace, WordPress, or Webflow) or manage email marketing campaigns (like Mailchimp) can command a premium, often exceeding the median salary.
• Brand Strategy: Moving from pixel-pusher to strategic advisor. This is the path from Senior Designer to Art Director or Creative Director. It requires deep client interaction and business acumen.
• In-House vs. Agency: In Salina, in-house roles (like at SRHC) often have better benefits and stability, with a path to management (Marketing Director). Agency roles offer more variety and potentially higher creative freedom, but the top-end salary is often lower unless you become a partner.
• Freelancing: A viable long-term path due to the low overhead. A successful freelance designer in Salina can often match or exceed the median salary by serving local and regional clients without the need for a physical office. It requires strong business skills.

10-Year Outlook: The field will evolve slowly. Print will remain relevant (especially for agriculture and local events), but digital will become more critical. The designer who embraces continuous learning—mastering AI tools for efficiency, staying on top of social media trends, and understanding basic UX principles—will be the one graduating to the Expert/Lead tier. Your growth will be defined by your portfolio and reputation, not by the city's job market.

The Verdict: Is Salina Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further, enabling home ownership and a comfortable lifestyle.	Limited Job Market: Only 92 jobs in the metro. Competition for the best roles is fierce.
Manageable Pace & Commute: No traffic, short commutes, and a less stressful work environment.	Lower Ceiling: Median Salary ($59,131) is below national average. Top-tier earnings are rare.
Community & Networking: It’s easy to stand out and build a strong local network.	Cultural & Social Scene: Fewer networking events, galleries, and design talks than in a major city.
Stable Employers: Healthcare and education offer relatively stable job opportunities.	3% Job Growth: Career advancement requires proactive skill-building and niche specialization.
Gateway to the Midwest: Central location for occasional travel to Kansas City or Denver for inspiration or short trips.	Reliance on a Car: Public transportation is minimal; you must own a vehicle and budget for gas/insurance.

Final Recommendation:
Salina is an excellent fit for graphic designers who prioritize work-life balance, affordability, and community. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or escape the grind of a larger city. It’s also a good launchpad for a freelance career.

However, it is not the right choice if your primary goal is to climb the corporate ladder in a top-tier agency, earn a six-figure salary, or be immersed in a constant, cutting-edge creative scene. For early-career designers, Salina can be a fantastic place to build foundational experience without the pressure of a massive metro, but you should plan a strategic move to a larger market after 3-5 years if your goals are high.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for graphic designers in Salina?
A: With only 92 jobs in the metro, it's a tight market. You're not competing with thousands, but the quality of your portfolio and your ability to network locally are paramount. Many positions are filled by referrals or internal candidates. Be persistent and tailor your applications to each employer's specific needs.

Q: Is freelancing a viable option in Salina?
A: Absolutely, and many designers do it successfully. The low cost of living means you can have a lower client threshold to be profitable. The challenge is building a client base beyond Salina to supplement local work. Start by reaching out to local small businesses, non-profits, and the agencies you might otherwise work for—they often need overflow support.

Q: What software should I master for the Salina market?
A: The Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is non-negotiable. Proficiency in Figma or Sketch for UI/UX is a growing plus. For freelancers, familiarity with website builders like WordPress or Squarespace is a major advantage, as many local clients need full-service solutions.

Q: How do I find an apartment quickly in Salina?
A: Check listings on Zillow, Apartments.com, and Facebook Marketplace. Local property management companies like M&T Collection Management or The Herington Company manage many rentals. Be ready to apply immediately with proof of income and good references. The market moves fast.

Q: Are there networking opportunities for creatives?
A: Yes, but they are less formal than in big cities. The Salina Art Center hosts events and openings that are great for meeting artists and designers. The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce has events where you can meet local business owners. Following local agencies and creative businesses on LinkedIn and Instagram is a good way to stay in the loop. The key is to be proactive and attend community events.