Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Bloomington, MN: $32.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Bloomington, MN runs $32.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,612 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Bloomington's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,962 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Bloomington, Minnesota, the graphic designer hourly pay is quite favorable, with a median rate of $32.02 per hour, which is slightly above the national average of $31.29 per hour. This rate is essential for those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities in various settings, such as bustling agency creative floors, in-house marketing departments, and remote roles utilizing Adobe and Figma. For entry-level graphic designers, hourly pay can start around $20.56, while seasoned professionals may command up to $49.64 per hour, reflecting the breadth of skills and experience within this field. This hourly range emphasizes the appeal of graphic design in Bloomington, appealing to a diverse group of designers, from freelancers setting their own rates to those working with established firms.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.56 | $164.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.37 | $194.98 |
| Median (P50) | $32.02 | $256.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.99 | $327.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.64 | $397.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bloomington
Based on $32.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.02/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bloomington, MN can expect to earn approximately $66,604 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,425. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bloomington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bloomington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,280.84 | $5,550 | $66,604 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $768.50 | $3,330 | $39,962 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $512.33 | $2,220 | $26,641 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Bloomington) | $32.02 |
| 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 Bloomington, MN earn a median of $66,612 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.36% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 10.50% above the Minnesota state average of $60,283.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.02/hr = $39,962/year (purchasing power: $40,571).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,604/year (purchasing power: $67,618).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Bloomington grew 20.8% from $25.64/hr (2019) to $30.98/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.10/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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington
Focusing on a part-time schedule, a graphic designer working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could expect to earn roughly $39,794 annually, translating to about $3,316 monthly before taxes. Comparatively, per-diem and contract roles often yield higher hourly pay, with many charging between $50 and $95 per hour. Specialized roles, such as senior brand designers and motion graphics specialists, can demand even higher rates, making them desirable positions within the graphic design career pool. Different employer types influence these rates significantly; for instance, graphic designers in large corporate in-house teams may see steadier wages and benefits, whereas agency roles might start with lower pay but offer a broader array of project experiences. Designers must consider the tradeoffs between higher hourly pay without benefits versus lower rates with corporate health packages. Strategic negotiation, based on market trends and personal skill sets, can greatly impact earning potential in Bloomington’s dynamic design scene.
More salary data for Bloomington, MN:
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 Bloomington. 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 Bloomington 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