Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Pine Bluff, AR: $19.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Pine Bluff, AR runs $19.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,144 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Pine Bluff's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,083 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $19.30, which is significantly lower than the national median of $31.29. This disparity highlights the local market dynamics and presents various opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in settings such as open agency studios, in-house marketing departments, and freelance arrangements. For designers working three days a week, the potential income reflects the top-end hourly wage of $29.91, especially beneficial for those in senior positions or specialized roles. The hourly range for graphic designers in Pine Bluff spans from $11.95 at entry-level positions to $29.91 for experienced professionals, demonstrating a clear gradient in pay based on experience and skill.
About the Pine Bluff 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) | $11.95 | $95.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.73 | $117.83 |
| Median (P50) | $19.30 | $154.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.70 | $197.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.91 | $239.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pine Bluff
Based on $19.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.30/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pine Bluff, AR can expect to earn approximately $40,138 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,157. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pine Bluff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pine Bluff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $771.89 | $3,345 | $40,138 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $463.14 | $2,007 | $24,083 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $308.76 | $1,338 | $16,055 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Pine Bluff) | $19.30 |
| 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 Pine Bluff, AR earn a median of $40,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 38.31% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.40% below the Arkansas state average of $41,131.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.30/hr = $24,083/year (purchasing power: $27,714).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,138/year (purchasing power: $46,189).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Pine Bluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Pine Bluff grew 20.8% from $15.45/hr (2019) to $18.67/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.95/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 Pine Bluff 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 Pine Bluff
For part-time graphic designers working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home from operating at the median hourly rate would yield around $24,057, a stark contrast to full-time earnings. Contract or per diem graphic designers in Pine Bluff can bill higher rates, with figures generally ranging from $50 to $95 per hour, depending on the complexity of the work and their expertise. This sector allows for flexibility but also encompasses a wide pay spectrum, especially in roles such as senior brand designers or motion graphics specialists, where hourly rates can reach as high as $180. Employers like banks, retailers, and digital agencies influence the hourly pay, with some offering benefits that provide stability, while others may pay a premium for flexibility. Negotiating effectively is vital, and designers should consider not just hourly pay but the total compensation package when assessing new opportunities in Pine Bluff.
More salary data for Pine Bluff, 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 Pine Bluff. 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 Pine Bluff 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