Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Normal, IL: $27.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Normal, IL runs $27.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,569 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Normal's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,938 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Normal, Illinois, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $27.19, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $31.29. This difference highlights the local market conditions and presents unique opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers. For those who choose to work three days a week, the wage facilitates a balance between professional commitments and personal time, especially in diverse environments like agency studios, in-house marketing teams, and freelance setups. Graphic designers in Normal can expect to see hourly rates ranging from $16.57 for entry-level positions to $42.15 for top earners, reflecting the variability of experience and expertise within the profession. These estimates are based on projected annual salary data, indicating that while graphic designer hourly pay in Normal may not reach national benchmarks, it offers a reliable means of income within the local context.
About the Normal 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) | $16.57 | $132.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.60 | $164.80 |
| Median (P50) | $27.19 | $217.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.81 | $278.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.15 | $337.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Normal
Based on $27.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.19/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Normal, IL can expect to earn approximately $56,564 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,633. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Normal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Normal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,087.76 | $4,714 | $56,564 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $652.66 | $2,828 | $33,938 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $435.10 | $1,885 | $22,625 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Normal) | $27.19 |
| 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 Normal, IL earn a median of $56,569 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.07% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $58,318.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.19/hr = $33,938/year (purchasing power: $34,952).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,564/year (purchasing power: $58,253).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Normal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Normal grew 20.8% from $21.78/hr (2019) to $26.31/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.11/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 Normal 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 Normal
When considering part-time roles, a designer working 24 hours per week could realize an annual income significantly lower than those in full-time positions, which can skew perceptions of earning potential in the field. For contract and per-diem graphic designers, there’s a marked differentiation in pay; they can bill anywhere from $50 to $95 per hour for regular work, while senior roles can see rates soar to between $75 and $150. The freelance market in Normal also presents lucrative opportunities, especially for specialized skills like motion graphics, where project fees can range from $3,000 to over $30,000 depending on the scope of work. Designers in corporate settings may enjoy steadier pay and benefits, whereas agency positions typically offer broader project scopes at the cost of stability. Therefore, graphic designers need to understand the trade-offs involved, whether they prioritize hourly rates, benefit packages, or the variety of work, and negotiate wisely based on the employer type. With ongoing demand for design talent, knowing one’s worth in the local market is key to securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Normal, 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 Normal. 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 Normal 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