Find a Job You Really Want In
In 2026, designers continue to play a pivotal role in various industries across the United States. This profession is not limited to creative hubs like California or the South; instead, opportunities for designers are thriving in every state, reflecting a diverse job market.
Given the growing demand for design talent, we at Zippia analyzed the current labor market to identify the best states for designers. Our goal was to pinpoint locations where job availability and competitive salaries align, providing a promising environment for design professionals at every career stage.
Utilizing the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we compiled a list of states that offer the most favorable conditions for designers:
Thus, New York takes the top spot as the best state for designers, offering a vibrant job market and lucrative salaries.
Curious about how we determined these rankings? Read on to learn about our research methodology and insights into the top ten states for designers.
How We Determined the Best States for Designers
At Zippia, we engage with job seekers from diverse backgrounds. Our findings reveal that two primary factors influence job seekers:
- Availability of jobs
- Compensation
To identify the best states for designers, we analyzed job availability and salary data. Our criteria, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics, include:
- Location quotient: A metric indicating the prevalence of design jobs in each state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
We adjusted salary figures to account for the varying cost of living across states. For instance, while the average designer salary in California is $72,780, the salary in Illinois is $68,010, which may stretch further in covering living expenses.
To rank the states, we assigned scores from 1 to 50 based on each criterion, with 1 being the best. The overall Job Score, calculated by averaging these rankings, determined the best state for designers in America.
Now, let’s delve into what makes each state an exceptional choice for designers.
1. New York
Total Jobs: 7,440
Average Annual Salary: $79,610
Average Entry Level Salary: $39,140
Average Experienced Salary: $134,710
Location Quotient: 6.0
2. Massachusetts
Total Jobs: 310
Average Annual Salary: $86,600
Average Entry Level Salary: $43,940
Average Experienced Salary: $132,480
Location Quotient: 0.65
3. Kansas
Total Jobs: 230
Average Annual Salary: $63,460
Average Entry Level Salary: $33,280
Average Experienced Salary: $99,980
Location Quotient: 1.22
4. Indiana
Total Jobs: 50
Average Annual Salary: $72,340
Average Entry Level Salary: $35,620
Average Experienced Salary: $139,720
Location Quotient: 0.12
5. Maine
Total Jobs: 70
Average Annual Salary: $71,030
Average Entry Level Salary: $29,280
Average Experienced Salary: $112,970
Location Quotient: 0.91
6. California
Total Jobs: 6,180
Average Annual Salary: $72,780
Average Entry Level Salary: $30,840
Average Experienced Salary: $128,970
Location Quotient: 2.89
7. Michigan
Total Jobs: 130
Average Annual Salary: $65,120
Average Entry Level Salary: $37,500
Average Experienced Salary: $102,240
Location Quotient: 0.23
8. Missouri
Total Jobs: 110
Average Annual Salary: $71,030
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,080
Average Experienced Salary: $154,070
Location Quotient: 0.28
9. Texas
Total Jobs: 600
Average Annual Salary: $56,090
Average Entry Level Salary: $33,160
Average Experienced Salary: $82,220
Location Quotient: 0.38
10. Colorado
Total Jobs: 220
Average Annual Salary: $59,770
Average Entry Level Salary: $33,970
Average Experienced Salary: $93,230
Location Quotient: 0.64
Conclusion: The Best States for Designers
If you’re embarking on a career as a designer, these states should be at the forefront of your job search. They provide high salaries, abundant job opportunities, and significant potential for career growth.
In contrast, here are the states that present the least favorable conditions for designers:
Detailed List of the Best States for Designers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $79,610 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $86,600 |
| 3 | Kansas | $63,460 |
| 4 | Indiana | $72,340 |
| 5 | Maine | $71,030 |
| 6 | California | $72,780 |
| 7 | Michigan | $65,120 |
| 8 | Missouri | $71,030 |
| 9 | Texas | $56,090 |
| 10 | Colorado | $59,770 |
| 11 | Oregon | $65,300 |
| 12 | South Carolina | $63,490 |
| 13 | Illinois | $68,010 |
| 14 | New Jersey | $62,950 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | $52,760 |
| 16 | Utah | $57,300 |
| 17 | Florida | $57,610 |
| 18 | North Carolina | $54,890 |
| 19 | Minnesota | $52,940 |
| 20 | Hawaii | $44,960 |
| 21 | New Hampshire | $0 |
| 22 | Virginia | $44,720 |
| 23 | Wisconsin | $0 |
| 24 | Washington | $0 |
| 25 | Tennessee | $0 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
