Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Grand Island, NE: $27.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Grand Island, NE runs $27.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,665 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Grand Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.7, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,596 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Grand Island, Nebraska, a graphic designer earns a median hourly rate of $27.72, which slightly trails the national hourly median of $31.29. This disparity may influence those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, providing insight into the employment landscape of graphic design in the city. Part-time designers, typically working three days a week, can anticipate earnings of approximately $33,750 annually before taxes, showcasing a lifestyle that may require careful budgeting given the costs associated with living in Grand Island. The hourly range in this field spans from $18.46 at the entry-level to $42.23 for the top performers, with a mix of environments such as agency studios, in-house marketing departments, and freelance setups offering varying experiences. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflects the realities of graphic designer hourly pay in Grand Island.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.46 | $147.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.93 | $159.42 |
| Median (P50) | $27.72 | $221.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.70 | $253.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.23 | $337.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Island
Based on $27.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.72/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Island, NE can expect to earn approximately $57,660 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,265. With a cost-of-living index of 86.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,108.85 | $4,805 | $57,660 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $665.31 | $2,883 | $34,596 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $443.54 | $1,922 | $23,064 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Grand Island) | $27.72 |
| 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 Grand Island, NE earn a median of $57,665 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.39% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.20% below the Nebraska state average of $59,571.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.72/hr = $34,596/year (purchasing power: $39,923).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,660/year (purchasing power: $66,538).
CoL index: 86.657 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Grand Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Grand Island grew 23.0% from $21.81/hr (2019) to $26.82/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.65/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 Grand Island 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 Grand Island
Focusing on part-time earnings, a graphic designer who works 24 hours each week can expect to take home about $33,750 annually, illustrating the significant differences in financial stability compared to full-time positions. For those venturing into per-diem or contract work, the reality can shift dramatically, with rates ranging from $50 to $95 per hour for standard projects and even higher for specialized roles. Senior brand designers might command $75 to $150 per hour, while experts in motion graphics could earn $100 to $180 hourly, depending on the demands of specific projects. In Grand Island, earnings can differ by employer type, where in-house corporate roles typically offer more stable pay compared to the more variable compensation seen in advertising and design agencies. Many graphic designers might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, while others may prioritize higher rates that come with freelance work but without the security of benefits. When negotiating, designers should articulate their value and consider the strengths their work brings, especially in industries where strong Adobe CC skills can significantly enhance their appeal.
More salary data for Grand Island, NE:
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 Grand Island. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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