Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Columbus, MS: $25.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Columbus, MS runs $25.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,443 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,461 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Mississippi, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $25.21, which falls below the national median of $31.29. This pay level reflects the cost of living in the region, indicating a more affordable lifestyle while also setting the stage for various employment scenarios. For part-time or per-diem workers—who often operate in environments like agency studios, in-house corporate offices, or freelance settings—the hourly rate can offer flexibility alongside income. Workers in Columbus can expect entry-level positions to start around $15.88, with experienced designers potentially reaching $38.57 per hour, suggesting a lucrative potential for those advancing through their careers.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.88 | $127.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.92 | $167.36 |
| Median (P50) | $25.21 | $201.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.39 | $251.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.57 | $308.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $25.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.21/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, MS can expect to earn approximately $52,436 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,251. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,008.38 | $4,370 | $52,436 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $605.03 | $2,622 | $31,461 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $403.35 | $1,748 | $20,974 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Columbus) | $25.21 |
| 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 Columbus, MS earn a median of $52,443 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $55,790.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.21/hr = $31,461/year (purchasing power: $36,711).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,436/year (purchasing power: $61,185).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Columbus grew 20.8% from $20.19/hr (2019) to $24.39/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.06/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
For part-time graphic designers working three days a week, the annual earnings can notably differ from full-time positions. Those dedicating approximately 24 hours a week can anticipate taking home around $31,113 yearly, based on their hourly efforts. In contrast, per-diem and freelance graphic designers often have the ability to charge higher rates, with agencies typically paying between $50 and $95 per hour for project work. Senior and specialized roles, such as motion graphics or brand design, can command rates upwards of $100 to $180 an hour, and smaller-scale projects can easily yield flat fees running from $3,000 to $30,000, depending on client needs. This variety illustrates the divide between steady in-house positions—which may provide benefits and a stable paycheck—and freelance opportunities that can offer higher hourly rates but often lack job security. When negotiating pay, designers in Columbus should emphasize their unique skills and experience, particularly in sought-after specialties, to maximize their earnings potential.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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