Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Ottumwa, IA: $23.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Ottumwa, IA runs $23.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,796 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Ottumwa's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,875 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ottumwa, Iowa, graphic designers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $23.94 in 2026, which is considerably lower than the national median of $31.29. This difference affects part-time workers, such as those seeking flexible schedules of three days a week, where they would earn around $1,151.68 weekly if working 24 hours, translating to about $60,000 annually if sustained year-round. Typically, graphic designers are found in different environments, from agency creative floors and in-house marketing departments to freelance setups and production shops. Entry-level positions see hourly wages starting at around $16.68, while seasoned designers with robust portfolios may command up to $37.11 an hour, reflecting the diversity of skills and expertise in the local design market.
About the Ottumwa 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) | $16.68 | $133.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.56 | $156.45 |
| Median (P50) | $23.94 | $191.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.36 | $242.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.11 | $296.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ottumwa
Based on $23.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.94/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ottumwa, IA can expect to earn approximately $49,791 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,726. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ottumwa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ottumwa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $957.53 | $4,149 | $49,791 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $574.52 | $2,490 | $29,875 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $383.01 | $1,660 | $19,917 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Ottumwa) | $23.94 |
| 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 Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $49,796 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.48% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $53,544.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.94/hr = $29,875/year (purchasing power: $33,047).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,791/year (purchasing power: $55,079).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Ottumwa grew 20.8% from $19.17/hr (2019) to $23.16/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.74/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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
For those considering part-time work in this field, the potential annual earnings significantly differ from those of full-time positions. A per-diem graphic designer can expect to bill hourly rates between $50 and $95, with specialized roles, such as senior brand designers, fetching $75 to $150 per hour. The freelance market also presents opportunities for larger projects, with fees ranging from $3,000 to over $30,000 based on scope, yet it can attract lower-tier pay for less experienced designers. In Ottumwa, hourly rates will vary depending on the employer type: in-house corporate roles often provide steadier pay with benefits, while agencies may offer creative freedom but with lower starting salaries. Designers must weigh these trade-offs carefully; negotiating based on local market conditions and the perks of employment can make a significant difference in overall job satisfaction and financial security.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
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 Ottumwa. 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 Ottumwa 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