Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Richmond, KY: $23.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Richmond, KY runs $23.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,400 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,643 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richmond, Kentucky, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $23.75, significantly lower than the national median of $31.29. This wage provides a foundational income for those working part-time, such as designers engaged three days a week, allowing for flexibility in balancing other commitments or freelance projects. The hourly rates for graphic designers in Richmond reflect a broad spectrum of earnings, with entry-level positions starting at $14.97 and experienced professionals commanding up to $36.82 per hour. This range offers insights into the economic realities for graphic designers operating within different environments, whether in agency creative spaces that thrive on collaboration or in the structured settings of in-house marketing teams. Given the estimated hourly rates stem from annual salary data projected to 2026, these figures illustrate the varied compensations available in Richmond's graphic design market.
About the Richmond 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) | $14.97 | $119.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.38 | $147.02 |
| Median (P50) | $23.75 | $190.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.40 | $243.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.82 | $294.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $23.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.75/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, KY can expect to earn approximately $49,404 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,503. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $950.09 | $4,117 | $49,404 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $570.05 | $2,470 | $29,643 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $380.03 | $1,647 | $19,762 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Richmond) | $23.75 |
| 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 Richmond, KY earn a median of $49,400 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.09% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $50,152.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.75/hr = $29,643/year (purchasing power: $33,194).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,404/year (purchasing power: $55,324).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Richmond grew 20.8% from $19.02/hr (2019) to $22.98/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.55/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Working part-time as a graphic designer in Richmond, a professional might see earnings of around $28,560 annually for a schedule of 24 hours a week, substantially less than what a full-time designer might generate. The per-diem pay for graphic designers often varies significantly, with contract positions at agencies frequently billing between $50 and $95 per hour, whilst seasoned brand designers and motion graphics specialists can ask for even higher rates. Hourly wages can differ greatly depending on the type of employer; in-house corporate teams might offer steadier work but generally lower rates compared to dynamic advertising agencies or thriving digital firms. Some designers opt for the route of less predictable freelance work due to the higher potential payout, even while forgoing benefits offered by full-time positions. Negotiating rates can be critical in Richmond’s market, where understanding the cost of living and knowing the value of specialized skills can empower designers to secure favorable compensation.
More salary data for Richmond, 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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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