Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Aurora, IL: $27.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Aurora, IL runs $27.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,617 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,570 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Aurora, Illinois, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $27.70 in 2026, which is notably below the national median of $31.29. This discrepancy reflects the local market conditions and cost of living in Aurora, where the cost of living index is 97.1, indicating a slightly lower economic environment than the national average. For those working part-time, such as a graphic designer on a 3-day/week schedule, this median translates to about $35,000 annually, making it essential for part-time workers to maximize their hours effectively in typical environments like dedicated creative agencies or freelance setups. Entry-level designers may start at around $17.26, while top earners can approach $42.94, providing a wide range for workers depending on their skill level and the specific demands of their projects.
About the Aurora 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) | $17.26 | $138.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.72 | $165.79 |
| Median (P50) | $27.70 | $221.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.45 | $283.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.94 | $343.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $27.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.70/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, IL can expect to earn approximately $57,617 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,241. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,108.02 | $4,801 | $57,617 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $664.81 | $2,881 | $34,570 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $443.21 | $1,921 | $23,047 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Aurora) | $27.70 |
| 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 Aurora, IL earn a median of $57,617 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.46% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $58,376.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.70/hr = $34,570/year (purchasing power: $35,603).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,617/year (purchasing power: $59,338).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Aurora grew 20.8% from $22.18/hr (2019) to $26.80/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.63/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 Aurora 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 Aurora
When looking at the overall earning potential for graphic designers in Aurora, part-time workers bringing in only $27.70 hourly may find their financial outcomes limited compared with full-time roles. Freelancers and per-diem graphic designers can command significantly higher rates, often ranging between $50-$95 per hour, with specialists in brand identity or motion graphics seeing rates hike to $100-$180 per hour. Agency environments and in-house corporate marketing teams typically offer steadier pay but often come with less variety in work and may include benefits, whereas freelancers must weigh the trade-off of higher pay against the lack of job security and benefits. Negotiating hourly rates based on skill set and project scope is crucial in Aurora, with designers encouraged to research comparable rates and showcase their portfolio - as freelancers may find success moving through platforms like Adobe CC that highlight their expertise in high-demand niches.
More salary data for Aurora, 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 Aurora. 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 Aurora 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