Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Hermiston, OR: $27.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Hermiston, OR runs $27.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,825 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Hermiston's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,093 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hermiston, Oregon, the graphic designer hourly pay stands at a median of $27.32, falling below the national average of $31.29. This compensation reflects the local market's dynamics, making it essential for graphic designers working part-time, such as three days a week, to carefully consider their earning potential. With a typical hourly range from $17.60 for entry-level positions to $42.35 for those among the top earners, the profession attracts individuals seeking structured settings like agency studios, in-house marketing departments, and freelance arrangements. While the hourly figures are estimated from annual salaries, they provide a crucial perspective for designers contemplating both full-time and per-diem opportunities across various environments, including remote collaboration using platforms like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.
About the Hermiston Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.60 | $140.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.27 | $170.17 |
| Median (P50) | $27.32 | $218.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.24 | $273.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.35 | $338.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hermiston
Based on $27.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.32/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hermiston, OR can expect to earn approximately $56,822 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,782. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hermiston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hermiston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,092.72 | $4,735 | $56,822 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $655.63 | $2,841 | $34,093 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.09 | $1,894 | $22,729 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Hermiston) | $27.32 |
| 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 Hermiston, OR earn a median of $56,825 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.68% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $59,942.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.32/hr = $34,093/year (purchasing power: $33,229).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,822/year (purchasing power: $55,382).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Hermiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Hermiston grew 20.8% from $21.88/hr (2019) to $26.43/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.24/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 Hermiston 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 Hermiston
Considering the realities of part-time employment, a graphic designer working a standard 24-hour week can expect to earn about $34,446 annually, which is considerably less than their full-time counterparts. In instances where designers engage in per-diem contracts, they can command significantly higher rates, ranging from $50 to $95 per hour. Specialized roles, such as senior brand designers and motion graphics experts, have the potential to earn between $75 and $180, pushing the boundaries on earnings significantly. Variability in hourly rates can also be observed across different employer types in Hermiston—corporate marketing teams typically offer steadier pay and benefits, while advertising agencies provide a wider array of projects but often with more modest starting compensation. Balancing hourly rates against the benefits offered becomes a strategic proposition; designers may choose lower pay for health insurance or opt for freelance work with no benefits but potentially higher pay. Negotiating hourly rates in this market requires a clear understanding of one's value and the ability to articulate one’s skills relative to industry standards.
More salary data for Hermiston, 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 Hermiston. 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 Hermiston 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