Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Ruston, LA: $22.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Ruston, LA runs $22.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,053 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Ruston's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,237 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ruston, LA, the graphic designer hourly pay is projected to be $22.63 in 2026, significantly lower than the national average of $31.29. This hourly figure translates into various work arrangements for graphic designers, including part-time employment or per-diem work. For instance, a designer working three days a week can earn approximately $1,086.24 weekly, which is beneficial for those balancing other commitments or pursuing freelance gigs. Entry-level designers might start around $15.12 per hour, while those at the top of their field can earn as much as $35.06 per hour. Ruston’s unique creative environment allows graphic designers to work in diverse settings, from bustling agency floors and corporate offices to freelance opportunities at home or in coworking spaces, making it a flexible career choice for many.
About the Ruston Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.12 | $120.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.01 | $144.04 |
| Median (P50) | $22.63 | $181.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.72 | $229.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.06 | $280.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ruston
Based on $22.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.63/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ruston, LA can expect to earn approximately $47,061 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,151. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ruston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ruston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $905.02 | $3,922 | $47,061 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $543.01 | $2,353 | $28,237 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.01 | $1,569 | $18,824 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Ruston) | $22.63 |
| 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 Ruston, LA earn a median of $47,053 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.69% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $48,911.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.63/hr = $28,237/year (purchasing power: $31,270).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,061/year (purchasing power: $52,116).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Ruston grew 20.8% from $18.12/hr (2019) to $21.89/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.39/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 Ruston 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 Ruston
Considering part-time or freelance arrangements, a graphic designer who works 24 hours a week could see substantial yearly income differences compared to full-time positions. Part-time designers in Ruston can earn around $55,739 annually, whereas those working full-time will see a significantly higher income reflective of their more comprehensive workloads. For freelancers, the market can yield lucrative per diem graphic designer pay in Ruston, charging rates that range from $50 to $95 per hour for contract work. More experienced professionals in specialized fields, like motion graphics or brand identity, often command even higher hourly rates, typically between $75 and $180. Many in-house corporate roles provide more stable employment but may come with lower pay compared to agency positions, where varied projects can offer a higher ceiling. Effective negotiation becomes crucial for freelancers and part-time workers in Ruston seeking to balance benefits against hourly wages, ensuring they maximize their potential earnings while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
More salary data for Ruston, LA:
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 Ruston. 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 Ruston 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