Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Liberal, KS: $26.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Liberal, KS runs $26.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,172 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Liberal's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,100 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberal, KS, the graphic designer hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $26.52 in 2026, which stands considerably below the national median of $31.29. This disparity reflects the local market dynamics and the overall cost of living in the area. For those considering part-time or per-diem positions, this rate translates to a viable income, particularly for professionals working three days a week. These designers often find themselves in diverse environments—from agency creative floors and in-house marketing departments to freelance home offices or larger coworking spaces. With entry-level graphic designers earning around $18.48 per hour and the potential for seasoned professionals to command up to $41.12 per hour, there's a clear range that caters to various experience levels and project scopes in the local industry.
About the Liberal 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) | $18.48 | $147.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.75 | $173.98 |
| Median (P50) | $26.52 | $212.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.73 | $261.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.12 | $328.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Liberal
Based on $26.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.52/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Liberal, KS can expect to earn approximately $55,166 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,827. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Liberal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Liberal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,060.89 | $4,597 | $55,166 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $636.53 | $2,758 | $33,100 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $424.35 | $1,839 | $22,066 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Liberal) | $26.52 |
| 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 Liberal, KS earn a median of $55,172 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.22% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 6.70% below the Kansas state average of $59,133.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.52/hr = $33,100/year (purchasing power: $36,413).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,166/year (purchasing power: $60,689).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Liberal grew 20.8% from $21.24/hr (2019) to $25.66/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.41/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 Liberal 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 Liberal
Exploring the part-time earning potential for graphic designers reveals that those working 24 hours a week can expect an annual take-home income of about $33,177, which is significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. In a per-diem capacity, graphic designers often find themselves billing much higher—ranging from $50 to $95 per hour depending on their specialization. Senior brand designers and motion graphics specialists can command rates that reach into the triple digits, emphasizing the premium attached to highly sought-after skills. Employers in Liberal vary widely, spanning in-house corporate marketing teams and digital agencies to freelance opportunities and contract work, each offering different compensation dynamics. Designers often navigate the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and stable roles that include health insurance. For those negotiating hourly pay in Liberal, presenting a robust portfolio and articulating the specific value they can bring to a project will be essential strategies in securing a rate that meets their expectations.
More salary data for Liberal, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Liberal in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in Liberal?
Are graphic designers in Liberal paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in Liberal?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in Liberal?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Liberal. 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 Liberal 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