Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Lee's Summit, MO: $24.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Lee's Summit, MO runs $24.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,806 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Lee's Summit's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,481 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lee's Summit, Missouri, graphic designers can expect a median hourly pay of $24.42, which is significantly lower than the national median of $31.29. This hourly rate reflects diverse working arrangements, making it relevant for both part-time designers and those seeking per-diem work. For instance, those working three days a week can anticipate an income that corresponds to their hours and skills, typically ranging from a base of $15.36 up to $37.86, depending on experience and specialty. These designers often find positions in collaborative environments such as agency studios, in-house marketing departments, or even remote settings with platforms like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. The hourly wages are derived from the broader salary data, showing a range that caters to entry-level positions through experienced professionals in Lee's Summit.
About the Lee's Summit 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) | $15.36 | $122.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.90 | $151.24 |
| Median (P50) | $24.42 | $195.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.27 | $250.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.86 | $302.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lee's Summit
Based on $24.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.42/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lee's Summit, MO can expect to earn approximately $50,802 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,309. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lee's Summit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lee's Summit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $976.96 | $4,233 | $50,802 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $586.18 | $2,540 | $30,481 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $390.78 | $1,693 | $20,321 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Lee's Summit) | $24.42 |
| 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 Lee's Summit, MO earn a median of $50,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.93% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.90% below the Missouri state average of $51,267.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.42/hr = $30,481/year (purchasing power: $34,019).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,802/year (purchasing power: $56,698).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lee's Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Lee's Summit grew 20.8% from $19.56/hr (2019) to $23.63/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.24/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 Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit
Analyzing the potential earnings for part-time graphic designers in Lee's Summit gives a clearer picture of what a three-day workweek might yield. At 24 hours weekly, a graphic designer could earn approximately $29,119 annually before taxes if working at the median pay. In comparison, per-diem or contract designers often bill rates that can vary significantly; it’s not uncommon for them to charge between $50 and $95 per hour, while senior roles and specialists in motion graphics may command rates from $75 to $180 per hour. The range of hourly earnings can also differ based on the type of employer. In-house positions with corporate marketing teams generally provide steadier pay and benefits but may not offer as much creative latitude as agency environments. Many designers face the trade-off of lower hourly rates paired with health insurance versus higher hourly rates without benefits. For those navigating the job market in Lee's Summit, effective negotiation strategies, particularly understanding the value of specialized skills, can enhance their overall compensation in this evolving field.
More salary data for Lee's Summit, 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 Lee's Summit. 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 Lee's Summit 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