Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Colorado Springs, CO: $30.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Colorado Springs, CO runs $30.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,833 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Colorado Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.7, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,692 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Colorado Springs, the graphic designer hourly pay stands at $30.20, which is slightly below the national median of $31.29. This wage reflects the thriving creative scene in the city, offering diverse opportunities in various environments, such as agency studios, corporate marketing departments, freelance remote setups, and production houses. For part-time designers working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a comfortable living, ideal for those seeking flexibility alongside their design work. Entry-level graphic designers can expect to earn around $22.11 per hour, while top earners may reach as high as $51.32, showcasing a competitive salary range that can accommodate both beginners and seasoned professionals.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.11 | $176.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.50 | $195.97 |
| Median (P50) | $30.20 | $241.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.68 | $317.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.32 | $410.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Colorado Springs
Based on $30.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.20/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Colorado Springs, CO can expect to earn approximately $62,820 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,242. With a cost-of-living index of 100.71 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Colorado Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Colorado Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,208.07 | $5,235 | $62,820 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $724.84 | $3,141 | $37,692 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $483.23 | $2,094 | $25,128 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Colorado Springs) | $30.20 |
| 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 Colorado Springs, CO earn a median of $62,833 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.45% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.00% below the Colorado state average of $64,115.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.20/hr = $37,692/year (purchasing power: $37,427).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,820/year (purchasing power: $62,379).
CoL index: 100.707 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Colorado Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Colorado Springs grew 18.5% from $24.66/hr (2019) to $29.22/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.22/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 Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs
Part-time graphic designers in Colorado Springs who work 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual income of approximately $37,497, which offers a viable option for those balancing additional commitments or pursuing freelance projects. The per-diem and agency landscape further diversifies earning potential, with many professionals billing rates that can range from $50 to $95 per hour or more, depending on their expertise. Senior brand designers often earn upwards of $75 to $150 per hour, while motion graphics specialists can command even higher rates, from $100 to $180 per hour for their refined skills. Additionally, designers specializing in freelance projects typically negotiate flat fees from $3,000 to $30,000, depending on scope, making the freelance route potentially lucrative. Work environments significantly affect hourly rates, with in-house roles in corporate entities generally providing steadier pay and benefits compared to the varied and often lower starting salaries found at agencies. Negotiation strategies in Colorado Springs should consider these aspects, emphasizing the value of health benefits when weighing lower hourly rates against freelance opportunities that offer higher pay but lack such perks.
More salary data for Colorado Springs, 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 Colorado Springs. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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