Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Owensboro, KY: $22.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Owensboro, KY runs $22.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,460 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Owensboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.6, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,875 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Graphic designers in Owensboro, Kentucky, can expect a median hourly pay of $22.34, significantly lower than the national median of $31.29. For those considering part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, this translates to an approximate annual income of $27,142, offering flexibility but less financial stability compared to full-time roles. The hourly pay range in Owensboro spans from $15.10 for entry-level positions to $29.45 for top-tier graphic designers, reflecting the diverse experiences and specializations in this field. Typical work environments include agency creative floors, in-house marketing departments, and freelance setups, whether remote or in coworking studios. This official BLS data highlights the competitive landscape for graphic designer hourly pay in Owensboro, KY, which varies based on industry demand and specific skill sets.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.10 | $120.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.10 | $120.81 |
| Median (P50) | $22.34 | $178.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.34 | $210.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.45 | $235.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Owensboro
Based on $22.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.34/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Owensboro, KY can expect to earn approximately $46,459 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,803. With a cost-of-living index of 88.61 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Owensboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Owensboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $893.44 | $3,872 | $46,459 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $536.07 | $2,323 | $27,875 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $357.38 | $1,549 | $18,584 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Owensboro) | $22.34 |
| 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 Owensboro, KY earn a median of $46,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.61% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.40% below the Kentucky state average of $50,173.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.34/hr = $27,875/year (purchasing power: $31,459).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,459/year (purchasing power: $52,431).
CoL index: 88.61 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Owensboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Owensboro grew 20.8% from $17.89/hr (2019) to $21.61/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.09/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 Owensboro 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 Owensboro
Annual earnings for a part-time graphic designer in Owensboro may seem appealing at first glance, but the figures reveal a nuanced reality when assessing the full scope of opportunities. For a designer working on a per diem basis or as a contractor, billed rates often range from $50 to $95 per hour, with senior brand designers and specialists in motion graphics commanding even higher fees. Employment in various sectors can significantly affect pay; in-house roles with companies such as banks or retailers may provide steadier hourly rates but often come with less creative flexibility than agency work. Some designers opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits when taking freelance contracts. Strategic negotiation is critical in Owensboro’s job market; emphasizing unique skill sets, such as proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite or experience in niche areas like brand identity, can yield better compensation and ultimately foster a more satisfying career trajectory in the graphic design industry.
More salary data for Owensboro, 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 Owensboro. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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