Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Commerce City, CO: $29.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Commerce City, CO runs $29.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,226 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Commerce City's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,331 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Commerce City, Colorado, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $29.91, which falls below the national median of $31.29. This hourly wage opens opportunities for various work arrangements, whether as part-time team members in agency settings with open studios or freelance professionals collaborating remotely using tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma. For those considering part-time positions within this profession, the hourly range spans from a modest $19.09 at the entry level up to $46.37 for experienced top earners. With the hourly rates calculated from annual salary data, they reflect the diverse experiences within this field, including roles in in-house marketing departments, production shops, and freelance home offices.
About the Commerce City 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) | $19.09 | $152.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.34 | $186.71 |
| Median (P50) | $29.91 | $239.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.29 | $306.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.37 | $370.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Commerce City
Based on $29.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.91/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Commerce City, CO can expect to earn approximately $62,218 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,895. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Commerce City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Commerce City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,196.50 | $5,185 | $62,218 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $717.90 | $3,111 | $37,331 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $478.60 | $2,074 | $24,887 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Commerce City) | $29.91 |
| 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 Commerce City, CO earn a median of $62,226 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.38% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.00% below the Colorado state average of $64,150.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.91/hr = $37,331/year (purchasing power: $35,553).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,218/year (purchasing power: $59,255).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Commerce City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Commerce City grew 20.8% from $23.95/hr (2019) to $28.94/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.92/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 Commerce City 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 Commerce City
For a graphic designer working on a part-time schedule of 24 hours a week, the annual earnings will typically be around $37,208, which provides a different perspective compared to full-time earnings. Contract graphic designers, often working on a per diem basis, can charge significantly more, with rates commonly reaching $50-$95 per hour, depending on their specialization. Senior roles, particularly in brand design and motion graphics, can command even higher fees—ranging from $75 to $180 per hour—especially within agencies or for notable projects. Employment in Commerce City varies significantly depending on the sector, with in-house teams typically offering steadier pay and benefits, while agency environments may provide broader scope but with lower initial wages. Designers should consider their needs for health insurance versus higher hourly rates that come without benefits, making negotiation skills vital in striking the right balance for their financial and professional goals.
More salary data for Commerce City, 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 Commerce City. 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 Commerce City 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