Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Oregon City, OR: $28.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Oregon City, OR runs $28.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,332 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Oregon City's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,602 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oregon City, the projected graphic designer hourly pay for 2026 is $28.53, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This figure is particularly relevant for graphic designers who may work part-time or on a per-diem basis. For those in flexible work arrangements, such as agency environments or freelance positions, the ability to earn this hourly rate can translate to sustainable income even when working just three days a week, alongside in-house opportunities and remote tasks that utilize tools like Adobe CC and Figma. Those entering the field can expect to start around $18.37, while the most experienced can earn up to $44.22 hourly, reflecting the competitive nature of various graphic design roles in Oregon City.
About the Oregon City 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) | $18.37 | $146.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.27 | $178.19 |
| Median (P50) | $28.53 | $228.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.10 | $288.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.22 | $353.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oregon City
Based on $28.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.53/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oregon City, OR can expect to earn approximately $59,337 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,233. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oregon City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oregon City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,141.09 | $4,945 | $59,337 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $684.66 | $2,967 | $35,602 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $456.44 | $1,978 | $23,735 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Oregon City) | $28.53 |
| 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 Oregon City, OR earn a median of $59,332 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.83% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.00% below the Oregon state average of $59,931.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.53/hr = $35,602/year (purchasing power: $34,700).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,337/year (purchasing power: $57,833).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Oregon City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Oregon City grew 20.8% from $22.84/hr (2019) to $27.60/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.49/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 Oregon City 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 Oregon City
Part-time graphic designers working 24 hours per week could anticipate an annual income in the range of approximately $35,000, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Contract or per-diem roles can yield different earnings—in many cases, billing ranges between $50 and $95 per hour, with niche specialties such as motion graphics or brand design commanding even higher rates. For those employed in sectors like advertising agencies or corporate marketing teams, pay scales can vary greatly based on the employer type. Designers might choose to accept lower hourly wages for the added security of health benefits, while others may prioritize higher hourly rates in freelance roles without such perks. For professionals looking to negotiate pay, it's beneficial to consider the unique demands of Oregon City’s job market and emphasize niche specialties or diverse portfolio experiences that reflect their design proficiency.
More salary data for Oregon City, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Oregon City. 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 Oregon City 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