Graphic Designer Pay

Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Mount Pleasant, MI: $26.80 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Mount Pleasant, MI runs $26.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,748 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Mount Pleasant's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,448 per year.

$55,748
Median Annual Salary
$26.80/hr
Hourly Rate
$39,030
Entry Level (P10)
$86,410
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Graphic Designer Hourly Rate in Mount Pleasant, MI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Mount Pleasant, MI graphic designer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Mount Pleasant, graphic designers can expect a median hourly pay of $26.80, which lags behind the national median of $31.29. This wage creates a distinctive environment for various employment settings, including agency creative floors, in-house corporate environments, and freelance arrangements. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this rate translates into an income that can support a modest lifestyle, especially given Mount Pleasant's cost of living index of 93.2. The hourly pay range can vary significantly, from around $18.76 for entry-level positions to about $41.54 for seasoned professionals, indicating that experience and specialization can greatly influence earning potential in this region.

About the Mount Pleasant Market

Salary estimated from Michigan average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$18.76$150.08
Lower Range (P25)$21.97$175.79
Median (P50)$26.80$214.41
Upper Range (P75)$33.10$264.77
Top Earners (P90)$41.54$332.32

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Pleasant

Based on $26.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a graphic designer in Mount Pleasant earning $26.80/hr would make approximately $32,161 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $55,747 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$32,161Reduced (32 hr/wk)$42,882Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$55,747

At $26.80/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Pleasant, MI can expect to earn approximately $55,747 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,161. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mount Pleasant.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$214.41
per 8hr shift
$1,072.05
per week
$4,646
per month
$55,747
per year

Schedule Comparison in Mount Pleasant

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,072.05$4,646$55,747
Part-Time (24 hrs)$643.23$2,787$33,448
Per Diem (16 hrs)$428.82$1,858$22,299

Compare Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Graphic Designer (Mount Pleasant)$26.80
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing graphic designer median salary in Mount Pleasant ($55,748) with Michigan average ($59,752) and the US national median ($65,075).Mount Pleasant$55,748Michigan Avg$59,752-6.70%US National$65,075-14.33%

Graphic Designers in Mount Pleasant, MI earn a median of $55,748 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.33% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 6.70% below the Michigan state average of $59,752.

Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $26.80/hr = $33,448/year (purchasing power: $35,888).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,747/year (purchasing power: $59,814).

CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$21.46/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$25.93/hr

2026 Current Est.

$26.80/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+29.1%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Mount Pleasant (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for graphic designers in Mount Pleasant. Baseline $21.46/hr in 2025, projected to $27.70/hr by 2027.$20$22$24$27$292019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$21.46$21.98$20.88$23.88$24.26$24.24$25.93$26.80$27.70
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$21.46/hrActual
2020$21.98/hrActual
2021$20.88/hrActual
2022$23.88/hrActual
2023$24.26/hrActual
2024$24.24/hrActual
2025$25.93/hrActual
2026(current)$26.80/hrEstimated
2027$27.70/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Mount Pleasant grew 20.8% from $21.46/hr (2019) to $25.93/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.70/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem graphic designers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mount Pleasant metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Mount Pleasant

Part-time graphic designers working 24 hours a week in Mount Pleasant, primarily earning $26.80 an hour, would take home approximately $33,446 annually, a significant decrease compared to a full-time colleague. This disparity often leads graphic designers in the area to explore per diem opportunities, where they might bill between $50 to $95 an hour, depending on their expertise, with specialized roles like motion graphics and brand identity demanding even higher rates. It’s common for freelancers and contractors to charge premium flat fees for significant projects, yielding returns ranging from $3,000 to $30,000 or more based on complexity. Employers vary widely, with in-house corporate teams typically offering steadier pay and benefits, while agencies may provide greater creative opportunities but often at lower starting hourly rates. Consequently, designers might accept slightly lower wages in exchange for health benefits, prompting strategic negotiations that advocate for better pay while balancing the need for job security and additional perks. Understanding the nuances of hourly rates can empower graphic designers in Mount Pleasant to make more informed career choices and negotiate effectively in their job searches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Mount Pleasant in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for graphic designers in Mount Pleasant is $26.80/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.36% annual growth). Rates range from $18.76 at entry level (10th percentile) to $41.54 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 14.3% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time graphic designers make in Mount Pleasant?

A part-time graphic designer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Mount Pleasant earns approximately $2,787/month, or $33,448/year at the median hourly rate of $26.80. Many graphic designers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are graphic designers in Mount Pleasant paid hourly or salary?

The majority of graphic designers in Mount Pleasant are paid hourly at a median rate of $26.80/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $55,747/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in Mount Pleasant?

A full-time graphic designer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Mount Pleasant earns approximately $55,747/year at the median hourly rate of $26.80. This is 14.3% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $86,404/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in Mount Pleasant?

Part-time and per diem graphic designers in Mount Pleasant sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $41.54/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, BFAData verified by Carlos Rodriguez, MA

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 Mount Pleasant. 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 Mount Pleasant is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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