Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Russellville, AR: $19.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Russellville, AR runs $19.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,748 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Russellville's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,851 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Russellville, Arkansas, the graphic designer hourly pay averages $19.11, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This wage reflects the entry-tier to mid-level earnings within various design environments, including bustling agency studios, corporate marketing departments, and the increasing trend of remote work setups utilizing Adobe Creative Suite and Figma for collaboration. For those working part-time, perhaps three days a week, this translates into about $19,000 annually, while entry-level designers might earn as little as $13.12 per hour. In contrast, top-tier professionals can earn up to $29.62 per hour, illustrating a broader range to accommodate different levels of expertise and project types in Russellville's design market.
About the Russellville 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) | $13.12 | $104.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.51 | $124.11 |
| Median (P50) | $19.11 | $152.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.47 | $195.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.62 | $236.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Russellville
Based on $19.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.11/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Russellville, AR can expect to earn approximately $39,751 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,934. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Russellville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Russellville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $764.45 | $3,313 | $39,751 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $458.67 | $1,988 | $23,851 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $305.78 | $1,325 | $15,901 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Russellville) | $19.11 |
| 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 Russellville, AR earn a median of $39,748 per year (2026 est.), which is 38.92% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.40% below the Arkansas state average of $41,147.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.11/hr = $23,851/year (purchasing power: $27,446).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,751/year (purchasing power: $45,744).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Russellville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Russellville grew 20.8% from $15.30/hr (2019) to $18.49/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.75/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 Russellville 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 Russellville
Considering a part-time role as a graphic designer, an individual working 24 hours a week might take home approximately $19,112 per year, a stark contrast to full-time professionals who earn a more stable income. Per-diem positions, often found in agency environments, can present lucrative opportunities; contract designers frequently charge between $50 and $95 an hour, with senior brand designers commanding rates of $75 to $150. The hourly rates differ regretfully across sectors in Russellville, as in-house teams working for banks or retailers may offer steadier pay with benefits, while agencies provide varied work at potentially lower initial pay. Negotiating hourly rates becomes essential—holding an updated portfolio to showcase unique skills, especially in higher-demand areas like motion graphics or brand identity, can greatly influence earnings. Ultimately, weighing the benefits of steady employment against contract work's potential for higher pay without benefits is crucial for graphic designers considering their career paths within AR.
More salary data for Russellville, AR:
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 Russellville. 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 Russellville 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