Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Sedalia, MO: $23.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Sedalia, MO runs $23.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,212 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Sedalia's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,527 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Sedalia, MO, graphic designers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $23.66, which significantly lags behind the national median of $31.29. For part-time designers working three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a take-home of about $28,000 annually if they clock in around 24 hours per week. This presents a viable option for those seeking flexibility in agency settings, in-house marketing departments, freelance opportunities in co-working spaces, or remote work environments utilizing Adobe Creative Suite. The hourly range for graphic designers in the area spans from $15.74 for entry-level positions (P10) to $36.38 for top earners (P90). These figures represent estimates derived from annual salary data, and job opportunities exist within various environments, including well-appointed packaging/production floors and collaborative creative studios.
About the Sedalia 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) | $15.74 | $125.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.79 | $150.33 |
| Median (P50) | $23.66 | $189.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.50 | $235.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.38 | $291.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sedalia
Based on $23.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.66/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sedalia, MO can expect to earn approximately $49,211 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,391. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sedalia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sedalia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $946.36 | $4,101 | $49,211 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $567.82 | $2,461 | $29,527 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $378.55 | $1,640 | $19,684 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Sedalia) | $23.66 |
| 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 Sedalia, MO earn a median of $49,212 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.38% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 4.00% below the Missouri state average of $51,262.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.66/hr = $29,527/year (purchasing power: $32,954).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,211/year (purchasing power: $54,923).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Sedalia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Sedalia grew 20.8% from $18.95/hr (2019) to $22.89/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.45/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 Sedalia 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 Sedalia
Given the range of settings where graphic designers operate, part-time earnings can vary significantly. A graphic designer working 24 hours a week can earn considerably lower annual pay compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem roles represent another avenue, with freelance graphic designers frequently billing rates between $50 and $95 per hour. For specialized work, such as motion graphics or brand identity, hourly rates can skyrocket, with some professionals charging between $100 and $180 per hour or flat fees ranging from $3,000 to $30,000 depending on project scope. In Sedalia, hourly rates differ depending on employer type, with in-house corporate teams generally offering steadier pay but less variety than agencies or freelance opportunities. Designers must weigh the benefits of steady income, often accompanied by health insurance, against potentially higher pay from freelance gigs. Negotiation skills are crucial when discussing hourly compensation, with a clear understanding of the market trends and existing economic conditions empowering designers to advocate effectively for their worth.
More salary data for Sedalia, 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 Sedalia. 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 Sedalia 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