Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in West Des Moines, IA: $27.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in West Des Moines, IA runs $27.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,665 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against West Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,596 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Des Moines, Iowa, graphic designers' hourly pay is projected to reach $27.72 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.29. This wage translates into a reasonable income for part-time designers working three days a week, allowing for a balanced lifestyle while engaging in creative tasks within various settings such as agency studios, in-house marketing teams, and freelance environments. The hourly range spans from $18.04 for entry-level positions to $42.97 for experienced professionals, illustrating the potential for growth within the field. Given the city's median hourly wage, both full-time and part-time designers can expect to find ample opportunities across different environments, contributing meaningfully to teams focused on Adobe CC design projects, packaging, and digital assets.
About the West Des Moines 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) | $18.04 | $144.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.26 | $170.09 |
| Median (P50) | $27.72 | $221.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.48 | $283.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.97 | $343.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Des Moines
Based on $27.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.72/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $57,660 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,265. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,108.85 | $4,805 | $57,660 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $665.31 | $2,883 | $34,596 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $443.54 | $1,922 | $23,064 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (West Des Moines) | $27.72 |
| 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 West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $57,665 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.39% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.70% above the Iowa state average of $53,542.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.72/hr = $34,596/year (purchasing power: $38,270).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,660/year (purchasing power: $63,783).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in West Des Moines grew 20.8% from $22.20/hr (2019) to $26.82/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.65/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 West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines
Shifting to part-time work, a graphic designer working 24 hours a week in West Des Moines can anticipate taking home significantly less than a full-time counterpart, which affects annual earnings yet provides flexible work-life balance. Often, per diem roles in advertising agencies or freelance gigs can see graphic designers billing anywhere from $50 to $95 per hour, with specialized skills—such as motion graphics or brand identity—commanding even higher rates. Depending on the projects undertaken, freelance payments can vary greatly, featuring flat fees from $3,000 to over $30,000, emphasizing the diversity and variability in the industry. Different types of employers in West Des Moines offer varying pay structures; in-house corporate roles typically provide stability along with benefits, while agencies and freelancing opportunities might entice designers with higher hourly pay but less job security. Designers must weigh the trade-offs of hourly pay versus benefits when considering employment offers, and practical negotiation skills can be vital in securing preferred compensation options in a competitive market.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in West Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in West Des Moines?
Are graphic designers in West Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in West Des Moines?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in West Des Moines?
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 West Des Moines. 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 West Des Moines 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