Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Pendleton, OR: $27.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Pendleton, OR runs $27.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,559 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Pendleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,532 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Pendleton, Oregon, earn a median hourly rate of $27.67, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $31.29. This local rate reflects the overall employment landscape for graphic designers in the area, implying that part-time and per-diem positions may provide a solid income for those who work three days a week. Those working in various settings—like creative agencies, in-house marketing departments, or freelance environments—can benefit from this rate even as they navigate differences in project scope and responsibilities. The hourly pay ranges from $18.41 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $42.51 for top earners, giving a glimpse into the potential earning trajectories for designers based on experience, skills, and the type of work environment they choose.
About the Pendleton 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) | $18.41 | $147.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.00 | $175.96 |
| Median (P50) | $27.67 | $221.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.12 | $280.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.51 | $340.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pendleton
Based on $27.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.67/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pendleton, OR can expect to earn approximately $57,553 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,203. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pendleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pendleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,106.78 | $4,796 | $57,553 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $664.07 | $2,878 | $34,532 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $442.71 | $1,918 | $23,021 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Pendleton) | $27.67 |
| 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 Pendleton, OR earn a median of $57,559 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.55% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $59,895.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.67/hr = $34,532/year (purchasing power: $33,656).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,553/year (purchasing power: $56,094).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Pendleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Pendleton grew 20.8% from $22.16/hr (2019) to $26.77/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.60/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 Pendleton 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 Pendleton
Considering part-time options, a graphic designer working 24 hours a week in Pendleton could expect to take home about $34,552 annually, while full-time counterparts earn significantly more. Per-diem graphic design roles can be lucrative, with many on contract billing anywhere from $50 to $95 per hour, depending on specialization and project type. Designers focusing on brand identity or motion graphics can command even higher rates, often landing contracts for $3,000 to $30,000 depending on the project's depth. In Pendleton, hourly rates can fluctuate based on the employer type—whether working for in-house corporate marketing teams or freelance roles—making it essential for designers to consider benefits when negotiating pay. Ultimately, some designers may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for consistent health benefits, while others may focus more on flexibility and freelance opportunities, especially in a growing remote work environment.
More salary data for Pendleton, 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 Pendleton. 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 Pendleton 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