Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Carpentersville, IL: $27.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Carpentersville, IL runs $27.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,892 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Carpentersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,132 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Carpentersville, Illinois, earn a median hourly rate of $27.35, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.29. This hourly rate allows for flexibility, making it attractive for part-time workers—those putting in three days a week can earn significant income while balancing other commitments. Typical work environments include agency creative spaces, in-house marketing departments, and freelance setups, where collaboration often takes place over digital platforms like Adobe and Figma. The hourly earnings for graphic designers in Carpentersville range from $18.35 for entry-level positions to $42.40 for top earners, reflecting a diverse skill set and experience level within the profession.
About the Carpentersville 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) | $18.35 | $146.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.90 | $175.22 |
| Median (P50) | $27.35 | $218.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.01 | $280.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.40 | $339.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carpentersville
Based on $27.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.35/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carpentersville, IL can expect to earn approximately $56,886 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,819. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carpentersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carpentersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,093.96 | $4,741 | $56,886 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $656.38 | $2,844 | $34,132 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.58 | $1,896 | $22,754 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Carpentersville) | $27.35 |
| 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 Carpentersville, IL earn a median of $56,892 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.57% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.50% below the Illinois state average of $58,351.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.35/hr = $34,132/year (purchasing power: $35,151).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,886/year (purchasing power: $58,585).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Carpentersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Carpentersville grew 20.8% from $21.90/hr (2019) to $26.46/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.27/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 Carpentersville 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 Carpentersville
Employing a part-time graphic designer working 24 hours a week can yield an annual take-home of approximately $34,128, significantly lower than a full-time equivalent, which generally supports more stable income and benefits. Many professionals in this field may work on a per-diem basis, particularly in agency roles or freelance projects, where rates can fluctuate between $50 and $180 per hour, depending on expertise and project complexity. For example, a motion graphics specialist could command rates at the upper end for unique, high-stakes client projects. In Carpentersville, hourly rates can differ based on employment type; for instance, corporate in-house roles might offer steadier hours and benefits but potentially lower pay compared to larger advertising agencies. Negotiation plays a vital role in this sector, especially in deciding whether to accept a lower hourly wage with health coverage versus a higher rate with no benefits, making understanding the local market essential for graphic designers aiming to maximize their earnings.
More salary data for Carpentersville, 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 Carpentersville. 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 Carpentersville 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