Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Wheaton, IL: $27.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Wheaton, IL runs $27.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,345 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Wheaton's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,403 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Within Wheaton, Illinois, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $27.57. This figure falls notably short of the national median hourly rate of $31.29, signaling differences in local demand and cost of living. For professionals in roles typical to this field—such as those working in agency settings, in-house marketing departments, or as freelancers—this rate translates to various earning potentials. For instance, part-time graphic designers working three days a week could anticipate earnings reflecting their hourly rate, while entry-level designers might start at about $18.19 per hour, with experienced professionals earning up to $42.73. The hourly pay range reflects industry dynamics, where designers in in-house roles often have steadier hours and potentially lower rates compared to their agency counterparts, who handle a wide array of projects and typically command higher pay.
About the Wheaton 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) | $18.19 | $145.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.93 | $175.46 |
| Median (P50) | $27.57 | $220.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.29 | $282.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.73 | $341.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheaton
Based on $27.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.57/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheaton, IL can expect to earn approximately $57,338 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,079. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheaton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheaton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,102.64 | $4,778 | $57,338 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $661.59 | $2,867 | $34,403 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $441.06 | $1,911 | $22,935 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Wheaton) | $27.57 |
| 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 Wheaton, IL earn a median of $57,345 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.88% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $58,337.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.57/hr = $34,403/year (purchasing power: $35,430).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,338/year (purchasing power: $59,050).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Wheaton grew 20.8% from $22.07/hr (2019) to $26.67/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.49/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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
For graphic designers in Wheaton considering part-time work or contract positions, the earning potential can be quite favorable. A graphic designer working 24 hours per week would earn just over $34,000 annually, which, while lower than full-time counterparts, still provides a livable income. Meanwhile, per-diem contracts usually see designers billing anywhere from $50 to $95 per hour, with specialized roles such as motion graphic designers commanding rates between $100 and $180. This reflects a trend where hourly rates differ considerably by employer type, with corporate marketing teams often offering more stable, if slightly lower, pay to secure talents, while advertising and branding agencies present broader opportunities with higher pay ceilings. Some designers weigh these factors against benefits like health insurance, opting for lower hourly rates for added security. Paying attention to negotiations can also be crucial; understanding the local market and leveraging skills in tools like Adobe CC can position designers favorably within Wheaton’s graphic design scene.
More salary data for Wheaton, 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 Wheaton. 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 Wheaton 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