Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in West Fargo, ND: $28.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in West Fargo, ND runs $28.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,838 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against West Fargo's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,305 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Fargo, North Dakota, the graphic designer hourly pay stands at $28.29, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $31.29. This figure reflects the local market dynamics and cost of living, offering insight into the conditions faced by graphic designers in various work settings. Part-time designers working three days a week can expect to earn around $1,905 gross per month, which may attract those who prefer flexible schedules. The hourly rate ranges significantly from $17.83 for entry-level roles to $43.85 for top earners, with opportunities in diverse environments like agency studios, corporate offices, and home-based freelance setups. These hourly figures are estimated based on annual salary projections, highlighting the versatility within the field as designers adapt to different client needs and project scopes.
About the West Fargo Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.83 | $142.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.83 | $174.64 |
| Median (P50) | $28.29 | $226.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.56 | $284.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.85 | $350.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Fargo
Based on $28.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.29/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Fargo, ND can expect to earn approximately $58,842 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,948. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Fargo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Fargo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,131.59 | $4,904 | $58,842 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $678.95 | $2,942 | $35,305 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $452.63 | $1,961 | $23,537 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (West Fargo) | $28.29 |
| 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 West Fargo, ND earn a median of $58,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.58% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.70% below the North Dakota state average of $59,855.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.29/hr = $35,305/year (purchasing power: $38,376).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,842/year (purchasing power: $63,959).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in West Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in West Fargo grew 20.8% from $22.65/hr (2019) to $27.37/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.24/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 West Fargo 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 West Fargo
When examining part-time earnings for graphic designers in West Fargo, a designer working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $22,860 annually. This is considerably less than their full-time counterparts but may appeal to individuals valuing flexible schedules over stability. In the contract and per diem space, graphic designers often bill higher amounts, with rates ranging from $50 to $180 depending on experience and specialization. Those focused on niche areas like motion graphics or brand identity can command even higher fees, sometimes landing projects that pay $3,000 or more for significant deliverables. Various employer types, including marketing teams at banks or retail chains, can influence the hourly rate, with corporate positions generally offering steadier wages than agencies known for varied project demands. Designers in West Fargo face a trade-off between lower hourly pay with benefits versus higher per-hour rates as freelancers. To secure better compensation, it is crucial for graphic designers to openly discuss their value, showcase relevant portfolio work, and stay adaptable to market changes.
More salary data for West Fargo, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in West Fargo in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in West Fargo?
Are graphic designers in West Fargo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in West Fargo?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in West Fargo?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Dakota
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 West Fargo. 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 West Fargo 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