Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Conway, AR: $22.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Conway, AR runs $22.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,163 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Conway's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,301 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Conway, Arkansas, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $22.68, which is significantly lower than the national median of $31.29. This rate reflects the local market dynamics, where designers often work in versatile environments, whether in an agency's open studio, an in-house marketing office, or as freelancers in home offices or co-working spaces. The hourly range for graphic designers in this area spans from $14.45 at the entry level to about $35.14 for seasoned professionals at the top of the pay scale. These figures are derived from estimating annual salaries, allowing part-time workers, especially those employed three days a week, to benefit from flexible work arrangements while still experiencing the challenges and opportunities present in the Conway design scene.
About the Conway Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($45,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.45 | $115.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.65 | $141.23 |
| Median (P50) | $22.68 | $181.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.02 | $232.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.14 | $281.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Conway
Based on $22.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.68/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Conway, AR can expect to earn approximately $47,169 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,213. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Conway.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Conway
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $907.09 | $3,931 | $47,169 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $544.25 | $2,358 | $28,301 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.83 | $1,572 | $18,867 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Conway) | $22.68 |
| 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 Conway, AR earn a median of $47,163 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.53% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 14.70% above the Arkansas state average of $41,119.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.68/hr = $28,301/year (purchasing power: $32,567).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,169/year (purchasing power: $54,279).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Conway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Conway grew 20.8% from $18.16/hr (2019) to $21.94/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.44/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 Conway 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 Conway
Looking at the earning potential for part-time graphic designers, a professional working 24 hours a week can expect to bring home approximately $28,099 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts who earn much more. The opportunities for per-diem graphic designers can be lucrative; professionals often bill between $50 and $95 per hour, with specialized roles like senior brand designers and motion graphics specialists commanding even higher rates. Depending on their focus, individuals working in Conway can find varied employer types, from corporate marketing teams at local banks to small advertising firms or digital agencies, affecting their hourly compensation. While some designers may choose lower-paying positions for the benefits offered, others may pursue higher freelance rates that come without additional perks. For those negotiating their pay, understanding local market standards and emphasizing specific design skills can provide leverage in securing better compensation.
More salary data for Conway, AR:
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 Conway. 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 Conway 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