Graphic Designer Salary in Lincoln, NE — 2026 Guide
Estimated salaries are adjusted for Lincoln's cost of living (index: 87). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.
Graphic Designer Salary in Lincoln — Key Numbers
Cost of Living in Lincoln
Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.
Job Market in Lincoln
Lincoln has a metro population of 360,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 2.6% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.
Financial Calculators for Lincoln
Other Professions in Lincoln
Graphic Designer Salary — Other Nebraska Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designer make in Lincoln, NE?
The estimated median salary for a Graphic Designer in Lincoln is $52,174 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $59,970 adjusted by Lincoln's cost of living index (87). The typical salary range runs from $38,167 (25th percentile) to $71,044 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $93,238.
Is Lincoln affordable for a Graphic Designer?
On a $52,174 annual salary, a Graphic Designer in Lincoln would spend approximately 18.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($795/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Lincoln relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $235,000 is 4.5× the annual salary.
How does a Graphic Designer's salary compare to Lincoln's overall income?
Lincoln's median household income is $60,800. A Graphic Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $52,174 earns 14.2% less than the typical Lincoln household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Lincoln has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.
Explore More Salary Data
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.