Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Waipahu, HI: $36.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Waipahu, HI runs $36.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,074 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Waipahu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,651 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Waipahu, HI, find themselves in a favorable position with a median hourly pay of $36.58, significantly outperforming the national median of $31.29. This higher pay reflects the demand for skilled designers proficient in tools like Adobe Creative Suite, catering to both in-house and agency settings. Part-time professionals working three days a week can expect to earn approximately $1,200 weekly, contributing to a robust income if combined with freelance work. The hourly range for graphic designers in the region spans from $22.91 at entry-level positions to as high as $56.69 for top earners. These figures suggest ample opportunities for designers across various environments, whether it be in agency creative spaces or collaborative remote work situations.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.91 | $183.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.09 | $224.75 |
| Median (P50) | $36.58 | $292.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.83 | $366.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.69 | $453.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waipahu
Based on $36.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.58/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waipahu, HI can expect to earn approximately $76,085 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,895. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waipahu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waipahu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,463.16 | $6,340 | $76,085 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $877.90 | $3,804 | $45,651 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $585.27 | $2,536 | $30,434 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Waipahu) | $36.58 |
| 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 Waipahu, HI earn a median of $76,074 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $77,627.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.58/hr = $45,651/year (purchasing power: $38,265).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,085/year (purchasing power: $63,776).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Waipahu grew 20.8% from $29.29/hr (2019) to $35.39/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.81/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 Waipahu 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 Waipahu
Focusing on part-time work, a graphic designer operating three days a week can bring home around $62,400 annually, making this a viable choice for those valuing flexibility. The per diem graphic designer pay in Waipahu reflects a dynamic range, with designers billing anywhere from $50 to $95 per hour, depending on their specialty and experience. Those specializing in brand identity or motion graphics might command between $75 and $180 per hour, thus elevating their earning potential significantly. Various employer types influence hourly rates, with corporate in-house teams tending to offer steadier pay but less creative freedom, while advertising agencies foster an environment of broader project variety. Understanding this tradeoff becomes crucial when negotiating pay; designers may opt for lower hourly rates with job security and benefits versus higher rates in freelancer or contract work without those perks. It’s advisable for graphic designers in Waipahu to leverage their portfolio and industry connections during negotiations to maximize their hourly earnings.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
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 Waipahu. 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 Waipahu 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