Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Carbondale, IL: $26.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Carbondale, IL runs $26.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,651 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Carbondale's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,790 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carbondale, Illinois, graphic designer hourly pay is projected to sit at $26.27, a figure that falls considerably below the national median of $31.29. This discrepancy reflects both local market conditions and the overall cost of living in the area, which is slightly below the national average. For part-time graphic designers working approximately three days a week, this equates to about $21,408 annually, a figure that might suit those seeking flexibility or supplemental income. The hourly compensation for graphic designers in Carbondale can vary widely, from $18.57 for entry-level positions to as high as $40.72 for those at the top of their game, highlighting a range that accommodates both new entrants and experienced professionals in diverse settings such as agency environments, in-house marketing departments, or freelance home offices.
About the Carbondale 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) | $18.57 | $148.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.68 | $173.48 |
| Median (P50) | $26.27 | $210.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.54 | $268.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.72 | $325.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carbondale
Based on $26.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.27/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carbondale, IL can expect to earn approximately $54,650 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,529. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carbondale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carbondale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,050.96 | $4,554 | $54,650 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $630.58 | $2,733 | $32,790 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $420.39 | $1,822 | $21,860 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Carbondale) | $26.27 |
| 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 Carbondale, IL earn a median of $54,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.02% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 6.30% below the Illinois state average of $58,325.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.27/hr = $32,790/year (purchasing power: $33,769).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,650/year (purchasing power: $56,282).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Carbondale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Carbondale grew 31.0% from $19.40/hr (2019) to $25.42/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.16/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 Carbondale 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 Carbondale
Turning to the dynamics of part-time work, a graphic designer working 24 hours a week in Carbondale may earn less than half of what a full-time designer could achieve annually, emphasizing the trade-offs associated with flexible schedules. Meanwhile, per-diem and contract positions in the graphic design field can command significantly higher rates, often ranging between $50 and $95 per hour for talented freelancers. Specialists in areas such as motion graphics or brand identity can see rates soar to $100-$180 per hour, depending on project scope. Different employer types present distinct financial opportunities: designers in established corporate environments might prioritize stability and benefits, while agency roles tend to offer lower bases but greater project variety. It is crucial for graphic designers in Carbondale to assess their worth in the context of the local market, balancing the benefits and rates available across various job types and negotiating effectively for their hourly pay to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Carbondale, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Carbondale in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in Carbondale?
Are graphic designers in Carbondale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in Carbondale?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in Carbondale?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Carbondale. 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 Carbondale 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