Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Inver Grove Heights, MN: $28.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Inver Grove Heights, MN runs $28.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,112 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Inver Grove Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,473 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Inver Grove Heights earn a median hourly rate of $28.42, which places them below the national median of $31.29. This pay level can significantly impact part-time graphic designers, such as those working three days a week, who may find themselves earning less compared to full-time counterparts while having a flexible schedule. The hourly range for graphic designers in this area spans from $17.82 for entry-level positions to as high as $44.05 for top earners. Given that the hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, this structure allows for various working environments, including agency creative studios, in-house marketing departments, and freelance settings where designers collaborate remotely using tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.
About the Inver Grove Heights 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) | $17.82 | $142.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.84 | $174.72 |
| Median (P50) | $28.42 | $227.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.63 | $285.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.05 | $352.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Inver Grove Heights
Based on $28.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.42/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Inver Grove Heights, MN can expect to earn approximately $59,122 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,109. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Inver Grove Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Inver Grove Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,136.96 | $4,927 | $59,122 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $682.18 | $2,956 | $35,473 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $454.78 | $1,971 | $23,649 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Inver Grove Heights) | $28.42 |
| 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 Inver Grove Heights, MN earn a median of $59,112 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.16% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $60,318.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.42/hr = $35,473/year (purchasing power: $36,013).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,122/year (purchasing power: $60,022).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Inver Grove Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Inver Grove Heights grew 20.8% from $22.76/hr (2019) to $27.50/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.38/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 Inver Grove Heights 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 Inver Grove Heights
For those working part-time as graphic designers, earning a consistent hourly wage can lead to a noticeable annual income difference. A designer clocking 24 hours a week will take home significantly less than a full-time peer, which can deter some from pursuing freelance or contract opportunities where per diem rates are more lucrative. Per diem graphic designer pay in Inver Grove Heights often ranges from $50 to $95 per hour, especially for specialized roles like brand designers and motion graphics specialists. Furthermore, hourly rates can vary widely across types of employment, with in-house positions generally providing stability and benefits at the expense of lower hourly pay compared to dynamic agency settings. Designers may negotiate between lower rates for the sake of security or higher rates without benefits, depending on personal preferences and life circumstances. Understanding local market trends and employer types can serve as a valuable strategy when discussing compensation in Inver Grove Heights.
More salary data for Inver Grove Heights, 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 Inver Grove Heights. 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 Inver Grove Heights 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