Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Gardner, KS: $26.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Gardner, KS runs $26.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,855 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Gardner's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,919 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gardner, Kansas, graphic designers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $26.38, which falls significantly below the national median of $31.29. This disparity highlights the local market dynamics for graphic design professionals. For those considering part-time work, such as a schedule of three days a week, the income generated could represent a stable source of supplementary earnings, especially in environments like agency studios, corporate marketing teams, or even from home offices focused on remote collaboration. For entry-level designers, the hourly rate can start at $18.23, whereas top earners may command up to $40.88. The range of hourly pay reflects the diverse opportunities available, from freelance gigs to permanent positions, albeit tied to the broader trends in local economic conditions.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.23 | $145.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.44 | $171.49 |
| Median (P50) | $26.38 | $211.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.76 | $270.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.88 | $327.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gardner
Based on $26.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.38/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gardner, KS can expect to earn approximately $54,865 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,653. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gardner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gardner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,055.10 | $4,572 | $54,865 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $633.06 | $2,743 | $32,919 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $422.04 | $1,829 | $21,946 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Gardner) | $26.38 |
| 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 Gardner, KS earn a median of $54,855 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.70% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.30% below the Kansas state average of $59,175.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.38/hr = $32,919/year (purchasing power: $36,215).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,865/year (purchasing power: $60,358).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Gardner grew 20.8% from $21.12/hr (2019) to $25.52/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.26/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 Gardner 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 Gardner
Evaluating part-time positions further, a graphic designer working 24 hours per week in Gardner could realistically bring home about $33,100 annually, compared to a full-time designer whose earnings might exceed $54,000. For per-diem or contract work, rates can vary widely, allowing experienced designers to bill anywhere from $50-$95/hour, depending heavily on their specialization, like motion graphics or brand identity. Employers in Gardner may settle on differing pay structures depending on whether jobs are in-house at larger corporations, like banks or retailers, or within smaller design firms and agencies. For many professionals, the decision to accept lower hourly wages might stem from the allure of reliable benefits, whereas freelancers might prioritize higher pay rates without the safety net of health insurance. Negotiating hourly pay in Gardner should be approached by assessing the competition, understanding unique skill sets, and framing discussions around local living costs and industry standards.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
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 Gardner. 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 Gardner 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