Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Liberty, MO: $24.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Liberty, MO runs $24.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,512 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Liberty's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,313 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberty, Missouri, graphic designer hourly pay stands at $24.29, significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This disparity reflects the cost of living in the area, which is lower than the national average, yet still presents challenges for those in creative roles. For those considering part-time positions or per-diem work, the established hourly range, from $15.34 to $37.64, allows flexibility in working hours and project selection, catering to various personal and professional commitments. Typical environments for graphic designers include agency creative spaces, in-house marketing teams, and collaborative freelance settings utilizing tools like Adobe and Figma. Entry-level positions may yield hourly rates closer to the lower end, while seasoned designers can command the higher rates, particularly in specialized areas like motion graphics or brand identity.
About the Liberty 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) | $15.34 | $122.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.82 | $150.57 |
| Median (P50) | $24.29 | $194.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.59 | $244.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.64 | $301.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Liberty
Based on $24.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.29/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Liberty, MO can expect to earn approximately $50,522 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,148. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Liberty.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Liberty
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $971.58 | $4,210 | $50,522 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $582.95 | $2,526 | $30,313 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $388.63 | $1,684 | $20,209 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Liberty) | $24.29 |
| 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 Liberty, MO earn a median of $50,512 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.38% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.50% below the Missouri state average of $51,281.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.29/hr = $30,313/year (purchasing power: $33,832).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,522/year (purchasing power: $56,387).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Liberty grew 20.8% from $19.45/hr (2019) to $23.50/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.11/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 Liberty 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 Liberty
When exploring the earning potential within the graphic design profession in Liberty, it's essential to consider the differences in part-time and full-time earnings. A graphic designer working 24 hours a week may bring in substantially less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, but they may also have the freedom to take on freelance projects that could increase their hourly earnings significantly. Per-diem graphic designers often invoice clients at rates between $50 and $95 per hour, while senior level positions can demand upwards of $150 per hour. Various employer types in Liberty, such as banks, CPG brands, and digital agencies, offer different pay structures and benefits, weighing the trade-offs for those seeking stability versus higher pay in contract roles. Negotiating tips for hourly workers include understanding the market average and clearly articulating your value, especially in a landscape where in-house jobs typically offer steady pay, while freelance opportunities, while potentially lucrative, come with no safety net.
More salary data for Liberty, 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 Liberty. 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 Liberty 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