Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Lima, OH: $26.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Lima, OH runs $26.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,101 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Lima's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.7, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,061 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lima, Ohio, the graphic designer hourly pay stands at a median of $26.49, which is notably lower than the national average of $31.29 per hour. This figure indicates significant earning potential for both part-time and per-diem designers working in various settings such as agency studios, corporate offices, and freelance environments. For someone working a typical three-day week, this hourly rate could translate to approximately $41,038 annually, depending on their hours. Entry-level graphic designers often start around $18.77 per hour, with the range extending up to $37.72 for those in the 90th percentile. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflects the diverse opportunities available in Lima’s vibrant design market.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.77 | $150.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.46 | $179.68 |
| Median (P50) | $26.49 | $211.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.82 | $270.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.72 | $301.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lima
Based on $26.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.49/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lima, OH can expect to earn approximately $55,102 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,789. With a cost-of-living index of 89.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lima.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lima
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,059.65 | $4,592 | $55,102 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $635.79 | $2,755 | $33,061 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $423.86 | $1,837 | $22,041 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Lima) | $26.49 |
| 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 Lima, OH earn a median of $55,101 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.33% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.30% below the Ohio state average of $56,982.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.49/hr = $33,061/year (purchasing power: $36,870).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,102/year (purchasing power: $61,450).
CoL index: 89.669 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+80.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lima (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Lima grew 69.1% from $15.16/hr (2019) to $25.63/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.38/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 Lima 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 Lima
Examining part-time work can reveal substantial differences in take-home pay compared to full-time roles. For instance, a graphic designer operating three days a week could expect to earn around $41,038 annually, while those opting for per-diem or freelance work can bill clients at much higher rates, often from $50 to $95 per hour. Advanced specialists, such as motion graphics designers, can charge as much as $180 per hour. In Lima, hourly rates can fluctuate significantly based on the employer type, with in-house corporate roles typically offering steadier hourly pay and benefits, while agencies present a wider scope of work but with a potentially lower starting rate. Designers may negotiate lower hourly rates for positions that include health insurance and other perks, while freelancers often seek projects that may offer flat fees ranging from $3,000 to $30,000+ depending on project complexity. Being aware of these dynamics allows graphic designers to make informed decisions about their career paths in Lima, OH.
More salary data for Lima, OH:
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 Lima. 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