Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Erie, CO: $30.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Erie, CO runs $30.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,468 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,079 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Erie, Colorado, graphic designers can expect a median hourly pay of $30.51, which is slightly below the national median of $31.29. For part-time workers, such as those putting in about three days a week or 24 hours, this equates to roughly $1,500 monthly before taxes, offering a reasonable income for those balancing multiple roles or pursuing freelance opportunities. The hourly range in Erie extends from $19.48 for entry-level positions to as high as $47.30 for experienced professionals, providing opportunities for both novice designers and seasoned experts in various settings, including agency studios, corporate marketing departments, and remote work environments. These projections utilize estimated data derived from annual salary calculations to give a clear view of what one might expect when considering the graphic designer hourly rate in CO.
About the Erie 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) | $19.48 | $155.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.80 | $190.43 |
| Median (P50) | $30.51 | $244.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.59 | $308.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.30 | $378.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $30.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.51/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, CO can expect to earn approximately $63,465 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,614. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,220.47 | $5,289 | $63,465 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $732.28 | $3,173 | $38,079 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.19 | $2,115 | $25,386 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Erie) | $30.51 |
| 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 Erie, CO earn a median of $63,468 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.47% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.10% below the Colorado state average of $64,174.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.51/hr = $38,079/year (purchasing power: $36,266).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,465/year (purchasing power: $60,443).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Erie grew 20.8% from $24.43/hr (2019) to $29.52/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.54/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 Erie 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 Erie
Understanding the earnings potential in this field extends beyond the straightforward hourly wage. For graphic designers opting for a per-diem or contract arrangement, billing rates often escalate significantly, with figures ranging from $50 to $95 per hour. Specialized roles in areas like motion graphics or brand identity, can command much higher rates, often between $75 and $180 per hour, depending on expertise and project complexity. In the local market, designers working in-house for established brands may enjoy steadier pay and benefits, but face narrower project scopes, while agency designers often encounter a more varied workload that can lead to higher overall income opportunities. Negotiating compensation effectively is crucial; understanding your worth relative to industry standards, particularly in a region like Erie that balances both corporate and freelance options, can greatly enhance the outcome of discussions around pay and employment conditions.
More salary data for Erie, 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 Erie. 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 Erie 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