Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Eugene, OR: $28.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Eugene, OR runs $28.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,918 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Eugene's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.6, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,950 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Eugene, Oregon, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $28.81, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.29. This hourly figure creates a framework for part-time and per-diem professionals in diverse environments such as agencies, in-house marketing teams, and freelance settings. For someone working three days a week, estimates suggest a solid income while balancing time for personal projects or other commitments. Within Eugene's job market, hourly pay ranges from approximately $19.03 for entry-level designers to around $43.02 for top earners, indicating potential growth opportunities as they advance in their careers. These figures stem from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections and reflect variations influenced by experience, skill set, and employer type.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.03 | $152.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.36 | $178.85 |
| Median (P50) | $28.81 | $230.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.41 | $283.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.02 | $344.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Eugene
Based on $28.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.81/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Eugene, OR can expect to earn approximately $59,917 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,568. With a cost-of-living index of 101.57 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Eugene.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Eugene
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,152.26 | $4,993 | $59,917 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $691.35 | $2,996 | $35,950 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.90 | $1,997 | $23,967 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Eugene) | $28.81 |
| 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 Eugene, OR earn a median of $59,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.92% lower than the national median of $65,075.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.81/hr = $35,950/year (purchasing power: $35,395).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,917/year (purchasing power: $58,992).
CoL index: 101.568 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Eugene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Eugene grew 35.6% from $20.55/hr (2019) to $27.87/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.77/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 Eugene 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 Eugene
Exploring part-time earning potential, a graphic designer working 24 hours weekly would ultimately bring home about $36,000 annually, a stark contrast to full-time earnings. Per-diem and contract graphic designers in Eugene often charge $50-$95 per hour, while senior brand designers typically bill between $75-$150 per hour, underscoring the potential for increased income in freelance or agency gigs. Specialty areas such as motion graphics may command even higher rates, reflecting the premium skills required in that segment. Different employers, including in-house corporate teams and advertising agencies, often dictate distinct pay scales, with stable companies providing benefits, while agencies tend to offer lower initial rates but more varied project opportunities. Negotiating remuneration goes beyond just focusing on pay; factors like health coverage and job security play crucial roles in choices, often leading designers to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, including health insurance. Understanding these intricacies may help graphic designers in Eugene strategize effectively for their careers.
More salary data for Eugene, OR:
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 Eugene. 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