Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in St. Louis Park, MN: $27.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in St. Louis Park, MN runs $27.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,077 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against St. Louis Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,841 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Louis Park, the graphic designer hourly pay is projected to be $27.92 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.29. This rate reflects the dynamics of local design work environments, whether in agency settings with collaborative open studios or in-house marketing departments. For part-time designers working three days a week, this hourly wage could lead to an annual income of roughly $43,800. The hourly range for graphic designers in this area varies from an entry-level rate of $18.16 to a top earning potential of $43.28, indicating a competitive market for both emerging talent and seasoned professionals. Freelancers also have the flexibility to work from home or in coworking spaces, allowing for a diverse range of project opportunities that can affect their earnings significantly.
About the St. Louis Park 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) | $18.16 | $145.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.93 | $175.46 |
| Median (P50) | $27.92 | $223.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.74 | $285.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.28 | $346.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Louis Park
Based on $27.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.92/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Louis Park, MN can expect to earn approximately $58,068 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,501. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Louis Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Louis Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,116.70 | $4,839 | $58,068 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $670.02 | $2,903 | $34,841 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $446.68 | $1,936 | $23,227 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (St. Louis Park) | $27.92 |
| 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 St. Louis Park, MN earn a median of $58,077 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.75% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.70% below the Minnesota state average of $60,308.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.92/hr = $34,841/year (purchasing power: $35,372).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,068/year (purchasing power: $58,953).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in St. Louis Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in St. Louis Park grew 20.8% from $22.36/hr (2019) to $27.01/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.86/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 St. Louis Park 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 St. Louis Park
A graphic designer who opts for a part-time schedule of 24 hours per week would take home about $43,800 annually, a stark contrast to a full-time position that could yield a higher income. In St. Louis Park, per-diem or contract graphic designers often charge between $50 and $95 an hour, creating lucrative opportunities that allow for more control over their workload and potential earnings. Specialized roles, such as motion graphics experts, can command even higher rates, while freelance projects can range from $3,000 to over $30,000 based on their scope. Graphic designers in corporate settings may find steadier income but at the cost of broader creative exploration compared to agency roles. This trade-off often comes down to personal choice: some accept lower hourly rates for consistent benefits like health insurance. Negotiating pay can be crucial in this field; understanding the value of one’s skills can lead to better offers, especially in a growing market where expertise in tools like Adobe CC remains in high demand.
More salary data for St. Louis Park, 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 St. Louis Park. 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 St. Louis Park 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