Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Aurora, CO: $35.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Aurora, CO runs $35.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,291 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,974 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Aurora, Colorado, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $35.24, significantly higher than the national median of $31.29. This competitive hourly rate is especially attractive for part-time workers who may opt to work three days a week, potentially balancing projects across agency settings, in-house marketing teams, or their own freelance operations. In terms of financial flexibility, these designers can range from entry-level earnings of approximately $21.35 per hour to top earners commanding $54.62, reflecting varied project scopes and levels of expertise. This hourly figure is informed by annual salary projections, indicating a robust demand within the local industry that corresponds with a growing marketplace for design talent.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.35 | $170.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.75 | $214.00 |
| Median (P50) | $35.24 | $281.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.11 | $360.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.62 | $436.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $35.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.24/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, CO can expect to earn approximately $73,290 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,283. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,409.42 | $6,107 | $73,290 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $845.65 | $3,664 | $43,974 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $563.77 | $2,443 | $29,316 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Aurora) | $35.24 |
| 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 Aurora, CO earn a median of $73,291 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.63% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 14.30% above the Colorado state average of $64,121.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.24/hr = $43,974/year (purchasing power: $41,880).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,290/year (purchasing power: $69,800).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Aurora grew 20.8% from $28.22/hr (2019) to $34.09/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.42/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 Aurora 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 Aurora
Considering the per diem opportunities, graphic designers in Aurora who take freelance or contract roles can see even higher hourly earnings. Typically, per diem graphic designer pay can range from $50 to $95 an hour, while seasoned specialists, such as motion graphics experts, might charge $100 to $180 per hour for their skills. These rates reflect project complexity and the designer's specialization, such as brand identity or strategic marketing campaigns. Although in-house positions may offer steadier schedules and benefitted pay, they might come with lower hourly rates compared to agency work. Designers should also strategically assess their negotiation tactics in Aurora, balancing between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates with health insurance options. Understanding these factors can significantly impact their overall earnings, making it crucial for designers to evaluate their position within Aurora's design market.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Aurora in 2026?
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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 Aurora. 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 Aurora 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