Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Evanston, IL: $27.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Evanston, IL runs $27.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,020 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Evanston's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,815 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Evanston, Illinois, the graphic designer hourly pay is projected at $27.90 for 2026, which is noticeably lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.29. For part-time or per-diem designers working in spaces like agency creative floors, in-house marketing teams, or through freelance gigs, this rate translates into varying levels of financial stability. Typically, a graphic designer working three days a week could expect to make around $1,329.60 weekly (based on 24 hours), which adds up to approximately $69,171.20 annually if consistent work is secured. Entry-level designers may start at $16.69 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $43.24 per hour. This diverse range reflects the dynamics of the local market, where roles can span from flexible freelance projects to stable positions in established firms.
About the Evanston 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) | $16.69 | $133.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.91 | $167.28 |
| Median (P50) | $27.90 | $223.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.70 | $285.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.24 | $345.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Evanston
Based on $27.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.90/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Evanston, IL can expect to earn approximately $58,025 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,476. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Evanston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Evanston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,115.87 | $4,835 | $58,025 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $669.52 | $2,901 | $34,815 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $446.35 | $1,934 | $23,210 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Evanston) | $27.90 |
| 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 Evanston, IL earn a median of $58,020 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.84% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $58,370.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.90/hr = $34,815/year (purchasing power: $35,855).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,025/year (purchasing power: $59,758).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Evanston grew 20.8% from $22.34/hr (2019) to $26.99/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.83/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 Evanston 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 Evanston
Examining the earning potential for part-time graphic designers reveals substantial differences compared to their full-time counterparts. A graphic designer at 24 hours per week might see a comfortable income but lacks the benefits afforded to full-time positions. For those in per-diem roles, billing rates are often higher, reflecting specialized skills—ranging from $50 to $95 per hour for general work, with senior roles commanding $75 to $150 per hour. On the other end, motion graphics specialists can earn even more, with rates stretching to $100-$180 per hour. Different employer types in Evanston lead to notable variations in pay; positions within corporate marketing teams generally offer steadier pay and benefits, whereas advertising agencies may present a broader range of projects at a lower starting rate. Freelance graphic designers in Evanston face a competitive market where rates can vary widely, and successful negotiation might hinge on the ability to demonstrate a strong portfolio. Understanding these factors is crucial for professionals aiming to maximize their earning potential in this field.
More salary data for Evanston, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Evanston in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in Evanston?
Are graphic designers in Evanston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in Evanston?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in Evanston?
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 Evanston. 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 Evanston 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