Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Covington, KY: $23.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Covington, KY runs $23.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,505 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Covington's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,707 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Covington, Kentucky, have a median hourly pay of $23.80 as of 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $31.29. This rate can be reflective of the various working arrangements typical in the design field, such as part-time positions within open agency environments or in-house corporate marketing departments. Part-time graphic designers working three days a week could expect to earn about $1,142 per week, translating to roughly $59,384 annually if they maintain a consistent 24-hour workweek. Entry-level designers may start as low as $15.18 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $36.89 per hour, showcasing the potential for substantial income based on skill level and experience.
About the Covington Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.18 | $121.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.48 | $147.85 |
| Median (P50) | $23.80 | $190.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.06 | $240.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.89 | $295.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Covington
Based on $23.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.80/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Covington, KY can expect to earn approximately $49,512 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,565. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Covington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Covington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $952.15 | $4,126 | $49,512 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $571.29 | $2,476 | $29,707 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $380.86 | $1,650 | $19,805 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Covington) | $23.80 |
| 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 Covington, KY earn a median of $49,505 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.93% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.30% below the Kentucky state average of $50,157.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.80/hr = $29,707/year (purchasing power: $33,267).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,512/year (purchasing power: $55,444).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Covington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Covington grew 20.8% from $19.06/hr (2019) to $23.03/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.60/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 Covington 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 Covington
For part-time designers, focusing solely on hourly work can yield differing annual earnings compared to full-time counterparts. By working a standard 24-hour week, part-time designers can achieve a respectable income while enjoying flexible work arrangements, typical of roles in agencies and freelance opportunities. However, contract graphic designers, particularly those specializing in motion graphics or brand identity, may secure rates between $50 and $95 per hour, with even higher fees at the senior level or for specific project types. Consequently, working in various settings—like banks, tech companies, or small agencies—can significantly influence pay. Additionally, the trade-off between hourly rates and benefits remains a crucial consideration; some designers may opt for lower pay for roles that provide health insurance and job security. Effective negotiation strategies, especially when discussing per diem graphic designer pay in Covington, can help maximize earnings in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Covington, KY:
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 Covington. 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 Covington 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