Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Wasilla, AK: $30.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Wasilla, AK runs $30.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,831 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Wasilla's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.1, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,298 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wasilla, Alaska, graphic designers currently earn a median hourly pay of $30.69, which falls slightly below the national hourly median of $31.29. This hourly rate forms a practical foundation for both part-time professionals and freelancers working across various settings. A graphic designer working three days a week, for instance, can expect to make around $30,000 annually, allowing flexibility while still benefiting from a stable income. The range for hourly pay in the area spans from $21.02 for entry-level positions to $47.57 for top earners, creating a diverse earning potential for those entering the field or transitioning from freelance work. Hourly rates, as a reflection of projected annual salaries, encapsulate the varied environments—from open collaborations in agency creative studios to remote roles using tools like Adobe CC and Figma.
About the Wasilla Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.02 | $168.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.13 | $193.08 |
| Median (P50) | $30.69 | $245.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.70 | $309.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.57 | $380.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wasilla
Based on $30.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.69/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wasilla, AK can expect to earn approximately $63,830 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,825. With a cost-of-living index of 106.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wasilla.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wasilla
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,227.50 | $5,319 | $63,830 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $736.50 | $3,192 | $38,298 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $491.00 | $2,128 | $25,532 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Wasilla) | $30.69 |
| 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 Wasilla, AK earn a median of $63,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.91% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.60% below the Alaska state average of $69,081.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.69/hr = $38,298/year (purchasing power: $36,096).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,830/year (purchasing power: $60,160).
CoL index: 106.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Wasilla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Wasilla grew 20.8% from $24.57/hr (2019) to $29.69/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.72/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 Wasilla 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 Wasilla
Exploring the dynamics of earnings for graphic designers in Wasilla reveals various paths and strategies. For part-time workers, those engaging in a flexible 24-hour work week could generate annual earnings significantly lower than full-time counterparts, yet still provide a reliable source of income. Freelancers and per-diem graphic designers frequently command rates between $50 and $95 per hour, with seasoned professionals like brand designers billing upwards of $75 to $150 per hour for premium work. Different employer types influence hourly wages significantly; in-house corporate roles may offer steadier pay and benefits, while advertising agencies tend to provide a broader range of projects but at potentially lower starting salaries. Understanding these variances could be crucial for graphic designers determining their career path. Negotiating for higher hourly rates should include a clear articulation of one’s skills, such as proficiency in motion graphics or brand identity design, and consideration of the impact of benefits versus hourly compensation can further guide decision-making within the Wasilla market.
More salary data for Wasilla, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Wasilla. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wasilla is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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