Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Centennial, CO: $36.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Centennial, CO runs $36.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,622 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Centennial's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,367 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Centennial, Colorado, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $36.35, significantly above the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This competitive compensation level reflects not only the high demand for skilled designers but also the increased cost of living in the area. For part-time and per-diem workers, such as those in agency settings or freelance positions, this hourly rate allows for a flexible work schedule while maintaining a solid income. Entry-level positions typically start at around $21.60 per hour, while more experienced professionals can command up to $56.35 per hour. In various environments—from the collaborative atmospheres of creative agencies to the focused offices of corporate marketing teams—the hourly compensation is an appealing factor for designers looking to thrive in a specialized role.
About the Centennial 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) | $21.60 | $172.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.18 | $217.47 |
| Median (P50) | $36.35 | $290.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.53 | $372.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.35 | $450.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Centennial
Based on $36.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.35/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Centennial, CO can expect to earn approximately $75,612 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,622. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Centennial.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Centennial
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,454.07 | $6,301 | $75,612 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $872.44 | $3,781 | $45,367 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $581.63 | $2,520 | $30,245 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Centennial) | $36.35 |
| 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 Centennial, CO earn a median of $75,622 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.21% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 17.90% above the Colorado state average of $64,141.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.35/hr = $45,367/year (purchasing power: $43,207).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,612/year (purchasing power: $72,011).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Centennial (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Centennial grew 20.8% from $29.11/hr (2019) to $35.17/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.57/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 Centennial 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 Centennial
When considering part-time opportunities, a graphic designer working three days a week can expect to generate substantial earnings. Depending on the number of hours worked, a part-time designer might earn around $28,000 annually, which is a significant contrast to full-time earnings that can reach much higher figures. Freelancers and per-diem contractors in Centennial often set their rates between $50 and $95 per hour, while specialized roles, such as motion graphics creators, can charge even more, with fees ranging from $100 to $180 per hour. Different sectors offer varying pay scales; in-house marketing teams often provide steadier hourly rates, while design agencies may cater to broader scopes of projects, resulting in a higher ceiling for some roles. Negotiating based on specific skills, especially in the popular areas of motion graphics or branding, can enhance earning potential, making hourly considerations essential for both established and emerging designers in CO.
More salary data for Centennial, CO:
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 Centennial. 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 Centennial 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