Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Aberdeen, SD: $27.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Aberdeen, SD runs $27.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,391 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Aberdeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,428 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aberdeen, South Dakota, the graphic designer hourly pay stands at approximately $27.59. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $31.29, reflecting the regional economic conditions and cost of living, which is indexed at 92.8 compared to the national average of 100. For graphic designers working part-time, such as those on a typical three-day, 24-hour work week, this translates to an annual income of around $34,803. The hourly range showcases a significant disparity, where entry-level positions may start as low as $18.17, while top earners can bill $42.77 per hour. This variety allows designers to choose between working in diverse settings, including agency creative floors, corporate marketing departments, or even freelance from home, using tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma for collaboration.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.17 | $145.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.85 | $174.80 |
| Median (P50) | $27.59 | $220.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.32 | $282.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.77 | $342.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aberdeen
Based on $27.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.59/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aberdeen, SD can expect to earn approximately $57,381 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,104. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aberdeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aberdeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,103.47 | $4,782 | $57,381 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $662.08 | $2,869 | $34,428 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $441.39 | $1,913 | $22,952 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Aberdeen) | $27.59 |
| 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 Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $57,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $60,411.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.59/hr = $34,428/year (purchasing power: $37,099).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,381/year (purchasing power: $61,832).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Aberdeen grew 20.8% from $22.09/hr (2019) to $26.69/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.51/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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen
Moving into the dynamics of graphic design work in Aberdeen, part-time earnings may not fit the needs of all professionals. For those choosing a per-diem approach, commonly employed by agencies or freelancers, hourly billing rates can rise substantially, with contract graphic designers often commanding between $50-$95 per hour based on project complexity. Additionally, specialties such as brand identity or motion graphics may attract rates as high as $100-$180 per hour, while comprehensive freelance projects can yield flat fees ranging from $3,000 to $30,000. Various employers in Aberdeen—including in-house corporate marketing teams, advertising agencies, and digital firms—offer differing pay scales, often weighing job security and benefits against higher hourly rates available in contract work. For those entering negotiations, it's critical to understand the value of benefits versus hourly pay in determining overall compensation, along with knowing the market trends to position oneself effectively in discussions about graphic designer hourly rate SD.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
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 Aberdeen. 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 Aberdeen 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