Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Bismarck, ND: $28.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Bismarck, ND runs $28.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,360 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Bismarck's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,615 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Bismarck, ND, have a median hourly pay of $28.54, which is noticeably below the national median of $31.29. This figure provides a context for both full-time and part-time designers, particularly in settings like advertising agencies, in-house marketing teams, or freelance environments where collaboration through tools like Adobe CC and Figma is standard. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the opportunities remain solid despite the lower hourly wages, as the range spans from $19.50 for entry-level positions to $39.33 for the highest earners in the area. This information, sourced from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reflects the competitive dynamics of Bismarck’s design market, where local companies seek to maximize their resources while still attracting creative talent.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.50 | $156.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.47 | $187.78 |
| Median (P50) | $28.54 | $228.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.47 | $251.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.33 | $314.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bismarck
Based on $28.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.54/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bismarck, ND can expect to earn approximately $59,358 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,245. With a cost-of-living index of 91.02 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bismarck.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bismarck
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,141.51 | $4,947 | $59,358 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $684.90 | $2,968 | $35,615 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $456.60 | $1,979 | $23,743 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Bismarck) | $28.54 |
| 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 Bismarck, ND earn a median of $59,360 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.78% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.90% below the North Dakota state average of $59,899.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.54/hr = $35,615/year (purchasing power: $39,127).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,358/year (purchasing power: $65,212).
CoL index: 91.024 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+57.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Bismarck grew 47.3% from $18.74/hr (2019) to $27.61/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.50/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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck
For graphic designers seeking part-time opportunities, working 24 hours a week translates to an annual income below that of full-time counterparts, emphasizing a balance between hours worked and benefits received. Contract and per-diem work can offer more lucrative options, often billing anywhere from $50 to $95 per hour, especially for senior brand designers and motion graphics specialists whose rates can soar to $100-$180 an hour. While in-house marketing teams provide steadier wages, agencies often present greater project variations but may offer a lower starting pay. This trade-off means some graphic designers in Bismarck may prefer higher hourly fees without benefits, while others lean towards more consistent pay that includes health insurance. As designers negotiate their hourly rates, understanding the nuances of employer types and project scopes becomes essential for securing the best compensation tailored to their experience and specialization.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
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 Bismarck. 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