Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Des Plaines, IL: $27.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Des Plaines, IL runs $27.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,407 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Des Plaines's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,848 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Plaines, Illinois, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $27.12, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.29. This pay structure influences various employment scenarios, such as part-time roles that typically span three days a week, allowing designers to work approximately 24 hours, securing an income of around $651. This setup can fit well within the environments of design agencies with open studios, in-house marketing departments, or even freelancers working from home and collaborating remotely using tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. Entry-level graphic designers can expect rates starting at $17.19, while those with considerable experience might earn up to $42.04, reflecting a broad pay range that accommodates both fresh talent and seasoned professionals.
About the Des Plaines 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) | $17.19 | $137.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.45 | $163.64 |
| Median (P50) | $27.12 | $216.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.71 | $277.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.04 | $336.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Plaines
Based on $27.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.12/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Plaines, IL can expect to earn approximately $56,413 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,546. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Plaines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Plaines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,084.87 | $4,701 | $56,413 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $650.92 | $2,821 | $33,848 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $433.95 | $1,880 | $22,565 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Des Plaines) | $27.12 |
| 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 Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $56,407 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.32% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $58,332.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.12/hr = $33,848/year (purchasing power: $34,859).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,413/year (purchasing power: $58,098).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Des Plaines grew 20.8% from $21.72/hr (2019) to $26.24/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.03/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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
The part-time potential for graphic designers in Des Plaines showcases an interesting dynamic in income streams, especially when compared to full-time positions. A designer working 3 days a week can expect to bring home approximately $33,912 annually, significantly less than what a full-time role could provide. Conversely, per-diem and contract graphic designers in the area might charge between $50 and $95 per hour, with seasoned brand designers and motion graphics specialists commanding even higher rates—up to $180 hour. This wide variance translates to diverse opportunities across employer types in Des Plaines, where jobs vary from in-house corporate roles to thriving advertising and design agencies. Many designers may opt for steady in-house jobs for the benefits, while others seek to capitalize on potential earnings from freelance or contract work. For those negotiating hourly rates, being up to date on market averages can empower designers to argue their worth effectively, especially when pitching premium work that requires deeper expertise in branding or motion graphics.
More salary data for Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines 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