Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Muscatine, IA: $24.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Muscatine, IA runs $24.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,985 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Muscatine's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,991 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muscatine, Iowa, the graphic designer hourly pay is projected at $24.03, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $31.29. This hourly rate can significantly impact part-time or per-diem designers, especially those working in environments like agency creative floors or freelance settings. For instance, a graphic designer working three days a week at this rate would earn around $1,300 monthly before taxes, which could be appealing for those seeking work-life balance. The hourly range for graphic designers in Muscatine, which spans from $16.88 for entry-level positions to $37.25 for top earners, underlines the disparity in earnings across varying skill levels. These hourly estimates stem from annual salary data, reflecting the wider economic environment and job demand in the region.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.88 | $135.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.74 | $157.93 |
| Median (P50) | $24.03 | $192.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.59 | $244.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.25 | $298.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muscatine
Based on $24.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.03/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muscatine, IA can expect to earn approximately $49,985 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,837. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muscatine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muscatine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $961.25 | $4,165 | $49,985 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $576.75 | $2,499 | $29,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.50 | $1,666 | $19,994 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Muscatine) | $24.03 |
| 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 Muscatine, IA earn a median of $49,985 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.19% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $53,517.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.03/hr = $29,991/year (purchasing power: $33,176).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,985/year (purchasing power: $55,293).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Muscatine grew 20.8% from $19.24/hr (2019) to $23.25/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.84/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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine
Part-time graphic designers in Muscatine, working a typical 24-hour week, would make around $30,132 annually before taxes, which is substantially less than their full-time counterparts. This discrepancy highlights the trade-offs many make, especially when considering per-diem or freelance roles, where billing rates can vary dramatically. For instance, per-diem graphic designer pay in Muscatine can reach between $50 to $95 per hour, depending on expertise, while senior brand designers may command rates as high as $150 per hour. Furthermore, in-house positions at corporate marketing departments often provide steady income and benefits, appealing to those preferring job security over the potentially higher, but unpredictable earnings found in agency settings. Negotiating rates based on experience and scope of work is crucial for freelancers, where emphasizing specialized skills in motion graphics or brand identity can justify requesting higher pay rates. Understanding these dynamics can help aspiring graphic designers in Muscatine maximize their earning potential and effectively navigate their career paths.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Muscatine in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in Muscatine?
Are graphic designers in Muscatine paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in Muscatine?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in Muscatine?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Muscatine. 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 Muscatine 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