As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Packaging Graphics Designer I in Illinois is $64,750 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.
However, a Packaging Graphics Designer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Packaging Graphics Designer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $71,010 | $5,918 | $1,366 | $34 |
| Average | $64,750 | $5,396 | $1,245 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,710 | $4,726 | $1,091 | $27 |
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A Packaging Graphics Designer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Packaging Graphics Designer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging Graphics Designer I | 0-2 years | $64,743 |
| Package Art Designer II | 2-4 years | $75,775 |
| Package Art Designer III | 4-7 years | $96,945 |
| Package Art Designer IV | 7+ years | $118,314 |
| Packaging Graphics Design Manager | 7+ years | $132,273 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Packaging Graphics Designer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Packaging Graphics Designer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $72,422. While startup companies pay approximate $61,248.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $61,248 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $64,779 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $69,938 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $72,422 |
For Packaging Graphics Designer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 5% above the average. In contrast, Packaging Graphics Designer positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Packaging Graphics Designer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $67,988 | $33.0 | 5% |
| Business Services | $67,988 | $33.0 | 5% |
| Construction | $67,988 | $33.0 | 5% |
| Energy & Utilities | $67,988 | $33.0 | 5% |
| Healthcare | $67,988 | $33.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Packaging Graphics Designer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $71,010 | $5,918 | $1,366 | $34 |
| Average | $64,750 | $5,396 | $1,245 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,710 | $4,726 | $1,091 | $27 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Packaging Graphics Designer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Design Services Specialist II | $71,400 | 10% |
| Package Art Designer II | $75,800 | 17% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Packaging Graphics Designer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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