Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in East Chicago, IN: $24.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in East Chicago, IN runs $24.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,476 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against East Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,881 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Chicago, Indiana, graphic designers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $24.74, which is significantly lower than the national median of $31.29. This disparity reflects the local market conditions and the overall cost of living, which sits below the national average. For graphic designers working part-time, such as those on a 3-day-a-week schedule, this hourly rate translates to about $37,600 annually, making it an appealing option for individuals seeking to balance work and personal commitments. The hourly range for this profession in East Chicago spans from $16.20 for entry-level roles to as high as $38.36 for experienced designers, highlighting the potential for salary growth with diverse experience levels and project complexity across various settings like agencies, in-house marketing departments, and freelance environments.
About the East Chicago Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.20 | $129.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.51 | $156.11 |
| Median (P50) | $24.74 | $197.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.68 | $253.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.36 | $306.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Chicago
Based on $24.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.74/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Chicago, IN can expect to earn approximately $51,468 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,693. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in East Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $989.78 | $4,289 | $51,468 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $593.87 | $2,573 | $30,881 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $395.91 | $1,716 | $20,587 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (East Chicago) | $24.74 |
| 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 East Chicago, IN earn a median of $51,476 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.90% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.50% below the Indiana state average of $53,343.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.74/hr = $30,881/year (purchasing power: $33,824).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,468/year (purchasing power: $56,373).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in East Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in East Chicago grew 20.8% from $19.81/hr (2019) to $23.94/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.58/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 East Chicago 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 East Chicago
The earning potential as a part-time graphic designer can significantly vary based on the type of work and the employer. While per diem graphic designer pay in East Chicago can fluctuate due to project demands, many professionals in specialized roles like motion graphics or brand identity can charge premium rates ranging from $50 to over $180 an hour. This variability positions contract and freelance designers to negotiate higher pay for skilled project work, though it often comes with the trade-off of fluctuating income and no benefits. In-house corporate environments generally offer steadier pay and health insurance, which can temper hourly rates but provide additional financial security. When negotiating hourly compensation, it's vital for designers to articulate the expertise they bring to projects, keeping in mind the differences in pay scales based on whether their employer is a digital agency, a corporate marketing department, or a print production shop.
More salary data for East Chicago, IN:
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 East Chicago. 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 East Chicago 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