Graphic Designer in Spokane, WA

As a career analyst who has spent considerable time in Spokane, I can tell you this city operates on its own rhythm. It’s not Seattle or Portland, and for a graphic designer, that’s often a good thing. The cost of living is manageable, the creative community is tight-knit, and the Inland Northwest’s natural beauty provides a steady source of inspiration that you can’t buy in a bigger city. This guide is for the designer who values work-life balance and wants to build a career without being crushed by a six-figure rent.

Let’s get into the data.

The Salary Picture: Where Spokane Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The graphic design market in Spokane is stable but not explosive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analysis, the median salary for a Graphic Designer in the Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA Metro Area is $61,524 per year, or an hourly rate of $61,524. This is remarkably close to the national average of $61,340, which suggests Spokane’s market pays competitively for the profession, despite its lower cost of living.

There are approximately 458 graphic design jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 3%. This isn’t a boomtown for designers, but it’s a steady, reliable market with consistent demand from healthcare, higher education, and agriculture sectors.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Spokane scale with experience, but the jumps aren't as dramatic as in major coastal hubs.

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Spokane)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$45,000 - $52,000	Production work, asset resizing, basic layout, assisting senior designers.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$61,524 (Median)	Leading projects, brand development, digital and print campaign execution, client presentation.
Senior-Level (6-10 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	Art direction, team leadership, complex branding systems, mentoring, high-level strategy.
Expert/Lead (10+ yrs)	$85,000 - $100,000+	Creative direction, managing design departments, defining brand voice for major organizations.

Comparison to Other WA Cities

Spokane offers a compelling value proposition compared to Washington's western cities.

City	Median Salary	Avg. 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Spokane, WA	$61,524	$1,012	101.0
Seattle, WA	$78,000	$2,100	152.3
Olympia, WA	$62,000	$1,350	112.5
Tacoma, WA	$64,500	$1,450	114.0

While Seattle offers a higher salary ceiling, the cost of living is over 50% higher than the national average. Spokane’s salary is near the state median, but your rent in Spokane could be 50-60% cheaper than in Seattle. For a designer prioritizing disposable income and savings, Spokane wins on the math.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a mid-level Graphic Designer earning the median salary of $61,524. This is a realistic scenario for someone with a few years of experience.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,127
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~25% = $1,282
• Net Monthly Pay (Take-Home): $3,845
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,012

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,012	Varies by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water/Internet)	$250	Spokane's winters are cold; heating costs can spike.
Groceries	$450	A single person's budget.
Transportation (Car + Gas/Insurance)	$500	Spokane is car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$150	Varies widely by employer.
Entertainment & Dining	$400	Reasonable for a social life in Spokane.
Savings / Student Loans / Misc.	$1,083	The "breathing room" you get by not living in Seattle.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it’s getting harder. The median home price in Spokane is around $400,000. With a $61,524 salary, you’d be at the edge of affordability for a single-income buyer, especially with today’s interest rates. A $400k home with 10% down would have a monthly mortgage payment of roughly $2,800, which is about 55% of your net pay—well above the recommended 30% rule. However, with a dual income (a partner or spouse also earning a modest wage), buying a home in Spokane is very achievable, especially in more affordable neighborhoods. The $1,083 surplus in the budget above is your key to saving for a down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Spokane's Major Employers

Spokane’s design jobs are concentrated in a few key industries. You won’t find the tech startup scene of Bellevue, but you will find stable, full-time roles with good benefits.

1. Avista Utilities: A major energy provider headquartered in Spokane. They have an in-house marketing and communications team that handles everything from annual reports to customer education campaigns. They hire for brand designers and marketing specialists.
2. Providence Health & Services: One of the largest healthcare systems in the region. Their marketing department is always in need of designers for patient materials, internal communications, and community outreach. It’s a stable, union-adjacent environment with excellent benefits.
3. Kalispel Tribe Economic Authority (KTEC): While not a traditional corporate employer, KTEC and its associated gaming and hospitality businesses (like Northern Quest Resort & Casino) have a significant creative department. They produce high-end print, digital, and environmental graphics. Hiring is cyclical but pays well.
4. Higher Education: Gonzaga University and Washington State University Spokane both employ in-house designers for admissions, alumni relations, and internal branding. These are great roles for those who enjoy an academic environment.
5. Agencies & Studios: Spokane has a handful of respected mid-sized agencies. Bader Creative, Madison Marketing, and Mighty D are examples that handle regional and national clients. Agency life here is less grueling than in larger cities, but you’ll work on a diverse portfolio.
6. City of Spokane & Spokane County: Municipal governments hire designers for public works campaigns, tourism materials (Visit Spokane), and internal documents. These are public sector jobs with great job security and pensions.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren’t posted on big job boards. Follow local design organizations like AIGA Spokane and check the "careers" pages of the employers listed above directly.

Getting Licensed in WA

Good news: Washington State does not require a specific license to practice as a graphic designer. There is no state board, no exam, and no continuing education requirement to maintain a "license."

What you do need:

• A Strong Portfolio: This is your #1 credential. For a move to Spokane, tailor a few portfolio pieces to local industries (healthcare, education, outdoor recreation, agriculture).
• Education: While not mandated, a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field is the standard expectation for most mid-to-senior level roles. Community colleges like Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) offer excellent, affordable design certificate programs if you're looking to pivot or upskill without a full degree.
• Professional Association Membership: Joining AIGA (the professional association for design) is not a license, but it’s a de facto requirement for networking and credibility in the professional community.

Timeline to Get Started: If you’re moving without a job, plan for a 3-6 month job search. The design community is small, and openings can take time to fill. Use that time to build local connections.

Best Neighborhoods for Graphic Designers

Spokane is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Your choice impacts your commute, social life, and rent.

1. Kendall Yards / West Central: This is the modern, walkable development across the river from downtown. It’s popular with young professionals. You’re close to the Centennial Trail, upscale groceries, and downtown employers.

   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,350 - $1,500
   • Commute: 5-10 mins to downtown; 15 mins to most employers.

2. South Hill: A classic, established neighborhood with beautiful older homes, tree-lined streets, and a family-friendly vibe. It’s quieter and more residential but has great local coffee shops and parks. Commute to downtown is straightforward via I-90 or Bernard St.

   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $950 - $1,150
   • Commute: 10-15 mins to downtown.

3. Browne's Addition: Just west of downtown, this neighborhood has a historic, urban feel with a mix of old mansions and apartment buildings. It’s close to the STA Plaza and has a diverse, artsy crowd. The commute is walkable or a very short bus ride to downtown.

   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $900 - $1,100
   • Commute: 5-10 mins to downtown.

4. North Spokane (Indian Trail / Shadle): More affordable, with newer apartment complexes and larger floor plans for the money. It’s a 15-20 minute drive to downtown but has its own commercial hubs (Northtown Mall area, restaurants). Good for those who want space and don't mind a commute.

   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $850 - $1,000
   • Commute: 15-20 mins to downtown.

5. Downtown Core: Living in the heart of it all in an apartment in a converted warehouse or a modern high-rise. It’s walkable to restaurants, bars, and events, but parking can be a hassle and noise is a factor.

   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $1,200 - $1,600+
   • Commute: 0-5 mins to downtown jobs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Spokane, career growth often means specializing and taking on more strategic responsibility rather than just jumping to a bigger company.

• Specialty Premiums: Designers with expertise in UX/UI design and motion graphics can command salaries 10-20% above the median. The local tech scene (while small) and the healthcare sector are increasingly seeking these skills. Branding specialists who can manage a project from strategy to final asset delivery are also highly valued.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from a production role to a mid-level designer, then to a senior designer or art director. From there, you might move into a creative director role at a local agency or a large corporate marketing team (like at Avista or Providence). Another path is to go freelance. A successful freelancer in Spokane can earn $75,000+ by building a roster of local and remote clients.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% job growth is modest. This means competition for the best full-time roles will remain steady. The key to long-term success will be continuous learning—keeping up with software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and industry trends. The designers who thrive are those who position themselves as problem-solvers, not just pixel-pushers.

The Verdict: Is Spokane Right for You?

Spokane isn’t for everyone. It’s a city that rewards those who value balance over hustle, nature over nightlife, and community over anonymity.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes far further here.	Limited Job Market: Fewer employers and roles than major metros.
Outdoor Access: Unparalleled access to hiking, skiing, and lakes.	Lower Salary Ceiling: Top-end pay is capped below Seattle/SF.
Manageable Commutes: 15-minute commutes are the norm.	Car Dependency: Public transit is underdeveloped; a car is essential.
Tight-Knit Creative Community: Easier to network and be seen.	Harsh Winters: Long, cold, and sometimes snowy winters (Nov-Mar).
Stable Employment: Strong healthcare, education, and government sectors.	Cultural Scene: Smaller than major cities, but growing.

Final Recommendation:
If you are a mid-level designer earning near $61,524 and you’re tired of spending 50%+ of your income on rent, Spokane is an excellent choice. It’s a place to build a life, not just a career. The market is stable, the quality of life is high, and you can afford a home. If you are a top-tier designer expecting a $120,000+ salary or you crave the energy of a 24/7 city, you may find Spokane limiting. For the vast majority in the middle, it’s a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in Spokane?
A: Yes, absolutely. While the downtown core is walkable and a few neighborhoods have bus access, Spokane is a sprawling city. To commute to employers like Avista (downtown), Providence (multiple campuses), or live in affordable areas like North Spokane, a car is non-negotiable.

Q: How is the freelance market in Spokane?
A: It exists but is relationship-driven. You’ll need to network relentlessly through AIGA and local business groups. The best freelance work often comes from the same employers who hire full-timers—agencies, healthcare, and higher ed. It’s viable but requires 6-12 months of hustle to build a client base.

Q: What’s the best way to find a design job here?
A: 1) Connect with AIGA Spokane and attend their events. 2) Monitor the career pages of the major employers listed above. 3) Use niche job boards like Creative Circle and Coroflot, which have regional postings. 4) Consider contacting local agencies directly for informational interviews.

Q: How do winters affect creative work and lifestyle?
A: The "Inland Northwest" winter is long (November through March) and can be gray. This can impact mood for some. However, it also creates a vibrant winter sports community (skiing at Mt. Spokane, Nordic skiing) and a cozy indoor culture. Many designers find the downtime of winter conducive to deep, focused work and personal projects.

Q: Is the salary of $61,524 enough to live comfortably alone?
A: Yes, based on the budget breakdown. You will have a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, dining out, and hobbies. The key is managing housing costs. Choosing a neighborhood like Browne's Addition or North Spokane, rather than Kendall Yards, will give you significantly more financial flexibility.