Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Peoria, IL: $28.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Peoria, IL runs $28.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,347 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Peoria's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.2, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,009 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
With a median graphic designer hourly pay in Peoria, Illinois at $28.05, professionals in this field find themselves earning slightly less than the national median of $31.29. For part-time workers, such as those who may choose to work three days a week, this hourly rate translates into an annual income that can still be substantial, particularly in creative settings like marketing departments, design agencies, or even remote freelance arrangements. The hourly range in Peoria varies widely, where entry-level graphic designers earn around $18.84, while top earners can command impressive rates up to $43.86. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2026 highlights the local market's dynamic nature, offering opportunities across both in-house and freelance environments.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.84 | $150.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.97 | $175.79 |
| Median (P50) | $28.05 | $224.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.27 | $282.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.86 | $350.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Peoria
Based on $28.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.05/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Peoria, IL can expect to earn approximately $58,348 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,662. With a cost-of-living index of 91.23 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Peoria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Peoria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,122.08 | $4,862 | $58,348 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $673.25 | $2,917 | $35,009 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $448.83 | $1,945 | $23,339 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Peoria) | $28.05 |
| 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 Peoria, IL earn a median of $58,347 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.34% lower than the national median of $65,075.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.05/hr = $35,009/year (purchasing power: $38,374).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,348/year (purchasing power: $63,956).
CoL index: 91.231 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Peoria grew 32.3% from $20.52/hr (2019) to $27.14/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.99/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 Peoria 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 Peoria
Part-time graphic designers working 24 hours per week in Peoria could take home roughly $34,585 annually, which is a notable figure compared to a full-time salary. In the per-diem or agency space, many graphic designers can charge between $50-$95 per hour for contract work, while specialized roles like senior brand designers and motion graphics specialists have even higher earning potentials, billing rates that can rise to $150 and $180 per hour, respectively. Different workplace types impact hourly rates as well; in-house designers for larger corporations may enjoy benefits but usually with lower pay compared to the more variable project work offered by agencies or freelance gigs. When negotiating rates, it’s crucial to balance the desire for higher pay against the value of benefits such as health insurance, particularly in a small market like Peoria. Understanding these nuances can empower graphic designers at all stages of their careers.
More salary data for Peoria, 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 Peoria. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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