Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Henderson, KY: $23.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Henderson, KY runs $23.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,065 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Henderson's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,436 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Henderson, Kentucky, earn a median hourly rate of $23.59, which stands in contrast to the national median of $31.29. This difference reflects the local market's dynamics and provides insight into the earning potential for those in various design-related settings. For graphic designers working part-time, say three days a week, their income can fluctuate significantly depending on their skill set and the type of position they hold. The hourly range in Henderson stretches from $14.60 for entry-level positions to as high as $36.56 for the most experienced designers. Such figures help illustrate the compensation landscape for graphic design roles in various environments, whether that be in agency settings with open studios, corporate marketing departments, or remote freelance arrangements utilizing software like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.
About the Henderson 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) | $14.60 | $116.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.97 | $151.73 |
| Median (P50) | $23.59 | $188.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.51 | $236.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.56 | $292.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Henderson
Based on $23.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.59/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Henderson, KY can expect to earn approximately $49,060 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,304. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Henderson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Henderson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $943.47 | $4,088 | $49,060 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $566.08 | $2,453 | $29,436 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $377.39 | $1,635 | $19,624 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Henderson) | $23.59 |
| 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 Henderson, KY earn a median of $49,065 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.60% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.20% below the Kentucky state average of $50,169.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.59/hr = $29,436/year (purchasing power: $32,963).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,060/year (purchasing power: $54,939).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Henderson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Henderson grew 20.8% from $18.89/hr (2019) to $22.82/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.38/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 Henderson 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 Henderson
When considering a part-time role that entails 24 hours of work per week, a graphic designer in Henderson could expect to take home around $29,000 annually, markedly lower than their full-time counterparts. For those engaged in per diem contracts, it’s common to see billing rates ranging from $50 to $95 per hour, especially for specialized roles such as motion graphics designers or senior brand designers. Employers like advertising agencies and established corporations may offer lower hourly rates compared to freelance projects but often come with added benefits such as health insurance. The trade-off here is substantial. Graphic designers must weigh the stability of in-house positions against the flexibility and potentially higher pay rates of freelance work. Negotiating hourly pay in Henderson may hinge on artists’ portfolios, years of experience, and the specific demands of potential clients, but understanding local market rates is crucial for making informed decisions.
More salary data for Henderson, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Henderson in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in Henderson?
Are graphic designers in Henderson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in Henderson?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in Henderson?
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 Henderson. 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 Henderson 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