Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $24.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in University City, MO runs $24.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,532 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against University City'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 University City, Missouri, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $24.29, reflecting a significant disparity when compared to the national median of $31.29. This rate suggests that those working part-time, such as three days a week, or as per-diem professionals, might struggle to match the salaries typically seen in larger markets. The hourly wage spans a range from $15.44 for entry-level positions to $37.65 for experienced top earners, indicating diverse earning potential within the field. Typical work settings for graphic designers in this city can vary from agency studios and in-house marketing departments to freelance arrangements, allowing for flexibility in schedule and work environment. The figures presented are based on estimated hourly rates derived from projected annual salary data for 2026.
About the University City 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) | $15.44 | $123.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.84 | $150.74 |
| Median (P50) | $24.29 | $194.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.10 | $248.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.65 | $301.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $24.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.29/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, 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 University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| 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 (University City) | $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 University City, MO earn a median of $50,532 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.35% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $51,249.
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 University City (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 | $22.93/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 University City 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 University City 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 University City
Exploring part-time opportunities further reveals that a graphic designer working 24 hours weekly would earn approximately $30,224 a year, far lower than what a full-time position might generate. Per-diem arrangements can provide higher earnings, with rates for freelance work commonly falling between $50 to $95 per hour, while industry experts in specific niches, like motion graphics, can charge upwards of $100 per hour. Hourly pay in University City varies significantly based on the employer type; in-house designers might receive steadier compensation with added benefits, while agency roles could offer lower starting salaries but diverse project experiences. Understanding this landscape is crucial for negotiating pay; designers should be prepared to justify their worth based on experience and portfolio, particularly in areas like brand identity where higher fees are common. Balancing hourly rates against benefit packages is an ongoing consideration for many in the field.
More salary data for University City, 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 University City. 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 University City 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