Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Arlington Heights, IL: $27.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Arlington Heights, IL runs $27.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,419 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Arlington Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,454 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington Heights, Illinois, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $27.61, which reflects a slight gap compared to the national hourly median of $31.29. This rate influences both full-time employees and part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, or even freelance and per-diem designers engaging in diverse environments like agency studios and in-house marketing departments. For professionals in this field, the hourly pay can range from $18.27 for entry-level positions to $42.79 for the most experienced and successful designers. This variability allows graphic designers in Arlington Heights to navigate roles from routine design tasks to specialized projects, such as branding and motion graphics, depending on their expertise and client demands.
About the Arlington Heights Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.27 | $146.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.01 | $176.04 |
| Median (P50) | $27.61 | $220.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.34 | $282.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.79 | $342.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington Heights
Based on $27.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.61/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington Heights, IL can expect to earn approximately $57,424 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,129. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Arlington Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,104.30 | $4,785 | $57,424 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $662.58 | $2,871 | $34,454 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $441.72 | $1,914 | $22,969 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Arlington Heights) | $27.61 |
| 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 Arlington Heights, IL earn a median of $57,419 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.76% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.60% below the Illinois state average of $58,352.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.61/hr = $34,454/year (purchasing power: $35,483).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,424/year (purchasing power: $59,139).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Arlington Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Arlington Heights grew 20.8% from $22.11/hr (2019) to $26.71/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.54/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 Arlington Heights 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 Arlington Heights
Engaging in part-time work at 24 hours a week can lead to annual earnings that significantly differ from full-time roles, providing flexibility for those who prefer it. Typically, per-diem graphic designers in Arlington Heights can command rates between $50-$95/hr, while senior brand designers often earn upwards of $75-$150/hr for complex projects. The local market also sees a clear distinction between hourly rates based on the type of employer. In-house corporate teams may offer steadier pay and benefits but generally at lower hourly rates than agencies, which thrive on broader project scopes. Freelancers may have the potential to earn considerably more on a per-project basis but must balance this with the instability of the gig economy. It's essential for graphic designers to negotiate effectively and know their worth—higher rates can often come with the trade-off of no benefits, and understanding the market is key in Arlington Heights, where the creative community thrives on competitive capabilities and skill specialization.
More salary data for Arlington Heights, IL:
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 Arlington Heights. 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 Arlington Heights 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