Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Belton, MO: $23.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Belton, MO runs $23.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,460 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Belton's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,075 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Belton, Missouri, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $23.30, which is significantly below the national median of $31.29. This rate strongly influences part-time and per-diem opportunities in the region, often found in diverse settings such as collaborative agency environments, in-house marketing teams, and remote freelance work. For those working three days a week, the hourly pay translates into a flexible income that can support varied lifestyles. Entry-level designers typically start around $14.88 per hour, while top earners can command rates of up to $35.89 per hour. These hourly pay rates, projected for 2026 based on 2025 BLS data, reflect the job's earnings potential in a market where the cost of living index is 89.6, indicating a setting that can accommodate different financial realities.
About the Belton Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.88 | $119.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.05 | $144.37 |
| Median (P50) | $23.30 | $186.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.15 | $233.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.89 | $287.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Belton
Based on $23.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.30/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Belton, MO can expect to earn approximately $48,458 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,957. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Belton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Belton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $931.89 | $4,038 | $48,458 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $559.14 | $2,423 | $29,075 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $372.76 | $1,615 | $19,383 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Belton) | $23.30 |
| 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 Belton, MO earn a median of $48,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.53% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.50% below the Missouri state average of $51,281.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.30/hr = $29,075/year (purchasing power: $32,450).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,458/year (purchasing power: $54,083).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Belton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Belton grew 20.8% from $18.66/hr (2019) to $22.54/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.08/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 Belton 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 Belton
Exploring part-time earning prospects, a graphic designer working 24 hours a week could anticipate an annual take-home pay of roughly $29,253, notably less than their full-time counterparts. In contrast, per-diem and contract graphic designers can consistently earn between $50 and $95 per hour, especially in agency settings, where the market for high-quality work can push senior brand designers' rates to $75-$150 per hour. Motion graphics specialists frequently see even higher rates, ranging from $100 to $180 per hour. The type of employer significantly influences hourly wages in Belton, with in-house positions offering steadier pay and benefits, while agency roles present broader project scopes but lower starting rates. Designers may occasionally choose lower hourly wages for the security of benefits instead of striving for maximum pay without additional healthcare support. Effective negotiation strategies specifically tailored for this region can enhance earning potential, ensuring that designers get the most out of their expertise in a market adjusting to their skill levels.
More salary data for Belton, MO:
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 Belton. 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 Belton 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