Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Jackson, MI: $29.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Jackson, MI runs $29.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,026 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Jackson's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,215 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jackson, Michigan, the graphic designer hourly pay is projected to be $29.82 in 2026, a figure that falls short of the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This difference may influence part-time designers, particularly those working three days a week, as they juggle varying contracts and artistic environments such as agency creative floors, in-house marketing teams, and freelance setups. For those new to the field, starting pay could be as low as $18.81, whereas experienced professionals might earn up to $54.55 per hour, reflecting the wide spectrum of opportunity available in the local job market. This information is grounded in official Bureau of Labor Statistics data and gives insight into the financial realities for graphic designers across different employment settings in Jackson.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.81 | $150.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.98 | $183.82 |
| Median (P50) | $29.82 | $238.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.70 | $333.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.55 | $436.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jackson
Based on $29.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.82/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jackson, MI can expect to earn approximately $62,024 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,783. With a cost-of-living index of 91.78 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jackson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jackson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,192.77 | $5,169 | $62,024 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.66 | $3,101 | $37,215 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.11 | $2,067 | $24,810 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Jackson) | $29.82 |
| 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 Jackson, MI earn a median of $62,026 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.69% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.80% above the Michigan state average of $59,756.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.82/hr = $37,215/year (purchasing power: $40,548).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,024/year (purchasing power: $67,580).
CoL index: 91.779 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+116.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Jackson grew 102.5% from $14.25/hr (2019) to $28.85/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.82/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 Jackson 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 Jackson
Working part-time as a graphic designer in Jackson means you could realistically earn $46,050 annually if you work 24 hours a week. This contrasts sharply with a full-time wage, highlighting how agency positions or per-diem roles can offer varied financial outcomes. Contract graphic designers typically bill anywhere from $50 to $95 per hour, especially in more specialized areas like motion graphics, where experienced designers can command rates between $100 and $180 per hour. In-house corporate positions, including marketing teams in banks or retail environments, may offer steadier hourly rates, while freelance designers often experience a range of compensatory structures. Many individuals must weigh the benefits of more consistent income and health insurance against potentially higher hourly rates but fewer benefits when freelancing. Those negotiating their pay in Jackson should aim to understand these trade-offs while being prepared to present their skills effectively, leveraging a strong portfolio that showcases proficiency in industry standards such as Adobe Creative Suite.
More salary data for Jackson, MI:
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 Jackson. 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, 7-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