Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Rockford, IL: $27.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Rockford, IL runs $27.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,362 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Rockford's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,822 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rockford, graphic designers can expect a median hourly pay of $27.10, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This discrepancy can significantly influence part-time opportunities, especially for those working three days a week—typically translating into a salary that may necessitate additional income sources. Common work environments for graphic designers in the area range from agency creative floors to in-house marketing departments and remote collaboration setups using tools like Adobe CC and Figma. For individuals just entering the field, the hourly rate can start as low as $19.24, while highly experienced designers can earn up to $38.29 depending on their skill set and the complexity of projects.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.24 | $153.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.27 | $178.19 |
| Median (P50) | $27.10 | $216.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.09 | $256.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.29 | $306.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rockford
Based on $27.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.10/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rockford, IL can expect to earn approximately $56,370 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,521. With a cost-of-living index of 92.15 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rockford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rockford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,084.04 | $4,698 | $56,370 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $650.42 | $2,819 | $33,822 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $433.62 | $1,879 | $22,548 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Rockford) | $27.10 |
| 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 Rockford, IL earn a median of $56,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.39% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.40% below the Illinois state average of $58,346.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.10/hr = $33,822/year (purchasing power: $36,702).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,370/year (purchasing power: $61,169).
CoL index: 92.154 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Rockford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Rockford grew 31.7% from $19.91/hr (2019) to $26.22/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.01/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 Rockford 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 Rockford
When considering part-time work, a graphic designer in Rockford focused on a 24-hour workweek can expect to take home about $33,508 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time positions in the area. For those pursuing contract opportunities, per diem graphic designer pay can soar significantly, with rates often between $50-$95/hour for standard projects or even higher for specialized roles such as motion graphics. Designers working in-house might find more stable compensation but often trade off higher hourly rates for benefits like health insurance. In contrast, freelance professionals can negotiate for premium pay, especially for brand identity projects that range from $3,000 to $30,000 based on the scope of work. Understanding the employer types in Rockford—whether corporate marketing teams or creative agencies—can help graphic designers strategically position themselves and optimize their negotiation strategies for better pay.
More salary data for Rockford, 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 Rockford. 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