Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Hillsboro, OR: $38.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Hillsboro, OR runs $38.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,972 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Hillsboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,986 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Hillsboro, Oregon, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $38.45, significantly higher than the national average of $31.29. This difference equates to a roughly 22.89% premium for designers in the area, reflecting the regional demand for visual expertise across multiple sectors. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to an appealing income when working in settings such as in-house marketing teams, agency floors, or even freelance environments. The hourly range in Hillsboro varies, with entry-level designers starting at approximately $23.63 and more experienced professionals earning up to $59.60 per hour. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, highlight a competitive market for graphic design talent, allowing flexibility in working arrangements, from per-diem gigs to full-time positions.
About the Hillsboro 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) | $23.63 | $189.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.36 | $234.92 |
| Median (P50) | $38.45 | $307.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.21 | $393.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.60 | $476.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hillsboro
Based on $38.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.45/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hillsboro, OR can expect to earn approximately $79,976 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,140. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hillsboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hillsboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,538.00 | $6,665 | $79,976 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $922.80 | $3,999 | $47,986 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $615.20 | $2,666 | $31,990 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Hillsboro) | $38.45 |
| 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 Hillsboro, OR earn a median of $79,972 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.89% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 33.50% above the Oregon state average of $59,904.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.45/hr = $47,986/year (purchasing power: $46,769).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,976/year (purchasing power: $77,949).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Hillsboro grew 20.8% from $30.79/hr (2019) to $37.20/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.74/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 Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
For those opting for part-time work, a graphic designer at 24 hours a week could bring home an annual income that reflects a substantial earning potential compared to full-time wages. The per diem graphic designer pay in Hillsboro can range widely; freelancers and contractors often set their own rates, billing anywhere from $50 to upwards of $180 per hour depending on their specialties and client agreements. Within the local landscape, hourly pay varies markedly by employer type; in-house roles typically offer steadier pay but might not match the higher rates available in competitive agency environments or specialized freelance projects. Designers should weigh the benefits of job security and health insurance often provided in corporate settings against the potential for greater earnings in freelance roles, where payment is project-based and can vary significantly. Negotiation for hourly rates can be advantageous, especially in a market that values unique skills in brand identity and motion graphics, further enhancing earning potential.
More salary data for Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro. 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 Hillsboro 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