Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Southaven, MS: $26.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Southaven, MS runs $26.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,861 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Southaven's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,919 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Southaven, MS, can expect a median hourly rate of $26.38, which falls significantly short of the national median of $31.29. This hourly compensation is reflective of local market conditions and the estimated costs involved in living and working in the region. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, this hourly pay translates to about $1,061.76 monthly based on a 24-hour work schedule, allowing for flexibility while still earning competitive wages. The hourly range for graphic designers in Southaven varies, with entry-level positions starting at around $17.44 and experienced professionals earning up to $40.88 per hour. This structure accommodates various work environments, whether it be bustling agency studios, in-house corporate offices, or the more autonomous freelance settings.
About the Southaven 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) | $17.44 | $139.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.01 | $168.10 |
| Median (P50) | $26.38 | $211.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.61 | $268.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.88 | $327.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Southaven
Based on $26.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.38/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Southaven, MS can expect to earn approximately $54,865 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,653. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Southaven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Southaven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,055.10 | $4,572 | $54,865 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $633.06 | $2,743 | $32,919 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $422.04 | $1,829 | $21,946 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Southaven) | $26.38 |
| 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 Southaven, MS earn a median of $54,861 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.70% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.60% below the Mississippi state average of $55,753.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.38/hr = $32,919/year (purchasing power: $38,412).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,865/year (purchasing power: $64,020).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Southaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Southaven grew 20.8% from $21.12/hr (2019) to $25.52/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.26/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 Southaven 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 Southaven
A 3-day workweek offers part-time graphic designers in Southaven the potential to net approximately $12,741.12 annually, a stark contrast to full-time earnings. Within the graphic design field, per diem and contract work can see rates soar; many freelance designers position themselves to charge between $50 and $95 per hour depending on project scope and client complexity. Specialized motions graphics designers or senior brand strategists may bill anywhere from $75 to $180 per hour, positioning them well within the premium segment of the market. In Southaven, hourly pay can fluctuate based on the type of employer – in-house teams at regional banks or retailers typically offer steadier pay, while advertising agencies and startups might provide more creative challenges albeit at lower baseline rates. As professionals consider their negotiation strategies, weighing the trade-offs of higher hourly pay against the security of health benefits becomes vital, especially when transitioning into freelance or contract work. Understanding current industry standards and projecting future demands can provide essential insights for graphic designers looking to maximize their earning potential in the local and wider MS market.
More salary data for Southaven, MS:
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 Southaven. 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 Southaven 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