Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Mobile, AL: $22.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Mobile, AL runs $22.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,360 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Mobile's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.1, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,417 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Mobile, Alabama, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $22.77, which is significantly lower than the national median of $31.29. This disparity highlights the potential financial realities for those working part-time or per diem in this field. For example, a graphic designer working three days a week might find themselves earning a gross of approximately $1,098 if they maintain a consistent schedule. The hourly pay range for graphic designers in Mobile spans from $16.86 for entry-level positions to $36.75 for top earners, reflecting the diverse opportunities available. As many graphic designers operate in settings such as agency studios, in-house marketing departments, or even as freelancers, these hourly rates speak to the economic landscape of the profession within the region.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.86 | $134.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.47 | $147.76 |
| Median (P50) | $22.77 | $182.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.84 | $246.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.75 | $294.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mobile
Based on $22.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.77/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mobile, AL can expect to earn approximately $47,362 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,324. With a cost-of-living index of 88.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mobile.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mobile
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $910.81 | $3,947 | $47,362 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $546.48 | $2,368 | $28,417 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $364.32 | $1,579 | $18,945 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Mobile) | $22.77 |
| Web Developer (National Avg) | $45.87 |
| Art Director (National Avg) | $62.64 |
| Special Effects / Animator (National Avg) | $45.53 |
| Industrial Designer (National Avg) | $41.73 |
Graphic Designers in Mobile, AL earn a median of $47,360 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.22% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.30% below the Alabama state average of $48,976.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.77/hr = $28,417/year (purchasing power: $32,256).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,362/year (purchasing power: $53,761).
CoL index: 88.098 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Mobile (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Mobile grew 19.9% from $18.37/hr (2019) to $22.03/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.54/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem graphic designers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mobile metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.36% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Graphic Designer in Mobile
Exploring part-time opportunities reveals that a graphic designer working 24 hours per week could take home around $28,335 annually, considerably less than their full-time counterparts. For those in the per diem space, billing can range from $50 to $95 per hour, with senior and specialized roles commanding even higher rates—potentially between $75 to $180 per hour. Hourly rates can differ significantly based on employer type; in-house positions might promise steadiness and health benefits, while agency roles could lead to more dynamic work but with potentially lower initial hourly pay. Freelancing allows for flexibility, though it often entails variance in project scope that could benefit those specializing in branding or motion graphics, allowing them to negotiate premium rates. Designers in Mobile looking to optimize their graphic designer hourly pay should consider these dynamics and prepare to advocate for their value based on their skills and market demand.
More salary data for Mobile, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for graphic designers in Mobile. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov