Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Maryland Heights, MO: $24.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Maryland Heights, MO runs $24.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,341 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Maryland Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,210 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Maryland Heights, a graphic designer's hourly pay stands at $24.21, significantly below the national median of $31.29. This hourly rate is particularly relevant for part-time designers who might work three days a week, as well as those in per-diem positions, allowing them to gain experience across various settings such as creative agencies, in-house marketing teams, and freelance environments. For those just starting their careers, hourly earnings can begin around $15.22, while top earners in the field can achieve rates up to $37.51. Considering the broad scope of design work available, from corporate branding to agency projects, the hourly pay reflects not only the talent pool in Missouri but also the demand and scale of projects managed by local designers.
About the Maryland Heights 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) | $15.22 | $121.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.66 | $149.25 |
| Median (P50) | $24.21 | $193.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.42 | $243.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.51 | $300.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maryland Heights
Based on $24.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.21/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maryland Heights, MO can expect to earn approximately $50,350 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,048. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Maryland Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maryland Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $968.28 | $4,196 | $50,350 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $580.97 | $2,518 | $30,210 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.31 | $1,678 | $20,140 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Maryland Heights) | $24.21 |
| 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 Maryland Heights, MO earn a median of $50,341 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.64% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.80% below the Missouri state average of $51,264.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.21/hr = $30,210/year (purchasing power: $33,717).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,350/year (purchasing power: $56,195).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Maryland Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Maryland Heights grew 20.8% from $19.38/hr (2019) to $23.42/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.02/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 Maryland Heights 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 Maryland Heights
When examining part-time earning potential, a graphic designer working 24 hours per week could expect to take home approximately $30,000 annually, substantially less than their full-time counterparts. For those in more flexible, per-diem roles, billing rates often range from $50 to $95 per hour, with senior specialties like brand design and motion graphics commanding even higher rates. Employers in Maryland Heights vary widely, including in-house teams at banks and retailers, advertising agencies, and digital firms, each influencing pay structures significantly. While some designers may accept lower hourly rates for the stability of workplace benefits, others pursue freelance opportunities that can result in premium pay for high-quality projects. Negotiating effectively is key; understanding the local market and leveraging specific skills in Adobe Creative Suite can help graphic designers maximize their earning potential in this competitive field.
More salary data for Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights. 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 Maryland Heights 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