Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Chaska, MN: $28.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Chaska, MN runs $28.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,593 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Chaska's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,757 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chaska, MN, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $28.65, which falls below the national median of $31.29 per hour. This difference may influence part-time and per-diem workers in various environments, such as agency creative studios, in-house marketing departments, and freelance setups. For part-time designers working three days a week, this hourly rate provides a decent income while allowing for flexibility. The hourly range for graphic designers in Chaska stretches from $18.36 for entry-level positions to as high as $44.40 for top earners, reflecting a career path that can lead to rewarding opportunities through experience and industry specialization. Hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary data, and the local cost of living index, sitting at 98.5, also plays a role in these pay structures.
About the Chaska 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) | $18.36 | $146.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.31 | $178.44 |
| Median (P50) | $28.65 | $229.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.20 | $289.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.40 | $355.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chaska
Based on $28.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.65/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chaska, MN can expect to earn approximately $59,595 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,382. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chaska.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chaska
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,146.06 | $4,966 | $59,595 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $687.63 | $2,980 | $35,757 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.42 | $1,986 | $23,838 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Chaska) | $28.65 |
| 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 Chaska, MN earn a median of $59,593 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.42% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.20% below the Minnesota state average of $60,317.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.65/hr = $35,757/year (purchasing power: $36,301).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,595/year (purchasing power: $60,502).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Chaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Chaska grew 20.8% from $22.94/hr (2019) to $27.72/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.61/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 Chaska 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 Chaska
A part-time graphic designer working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week could make a steady income, although it contrasts starkly with full-time earnings. Contract or per-diem graphic designers often command much higher rates, ranging from $50 to $95 per hour depending on experience and the nature of their projects. Specialized skills, such as motion graphics or brand design, can push rates even higher, with some professionals billing $75 to $150 per hour or more for premium services. The type of employer also significantly affects hourly compensation; in-house designers may earn less but may benefit from health insurance and other perks, while agency work often comes with lower initial salaries but offers more diverse project experiences. Designers in Chaska should consider performance and negotiation tactics tailored to the local market, keeping in mind that accepting lower hourly rates for stability and benefits is a common trade-off in this creative field.
More salary data for Chaska, 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 Chaska. 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 Chaska 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