Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Vermillion, SD: $26.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Vermillion, SD runs $26.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,779 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Vermillion's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,474 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vermillion, South Dakota, the graphic designer hourly pay is projected to be $26.82 in 2026, which places it below the national median of $31.29. For those working part-time in settings such as agency studios, in-house marketing departments, or freelance arrangements, this hourly rate can significantly influence their earning potential and lifestyle. For example, a graphic designer working three days a week might take home roughly $21,000 annually, a figure that reflects the limited hours compared to a full-time schedule. The hourly compensation in Vermillion ranges from $18.36 for entry-level positions to $41.56 for top earners, highlighting a clear pathway for growth within the field. As the graphic design domain often requires flexibility in work arrangements, this hourly rate allows for diverse opportunities, including remote collaborations using tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma.
About the Vermillion 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) | $18.36 | $146.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.66 | $173.31 |
| Median (P50) | $26.82 | $214.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.33 | $274.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.56 | $332.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vermillion
Based on $26.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.82/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vermillion, SD can expect to earn approximately $55,790 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,186. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Vermillion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vermillion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,072.88 | $4,649 | $55,790 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $643.73 | $2,789 | $33,474 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $429.15 | $1,860 | $22,316 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Vermillion) | $26.82 |
| 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 Vermillion, SD earn a median of $55,779 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.29% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $60,367.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.82/hr = $33,474/year (purchasing power: $36,071).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,790/year (purchasing power: $60,118).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Vermillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Vermillion grew 20.8% from $21.48/hr (2019) to $25.95/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.72/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 Vermillion 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 Vermillion
For those contemplating part-time work, the financial logistics of a 3-day-per-week schedule are pivotal. While some graphic designers may opt for per-diem roles, particularly in agency settings, they can command rates between $50 and $95 per hour, particularly for specialized tasks like motion graphics or brand identity projects. Senior designers in these roles may charge even more, ranging from $75 to $150 per hour, making it a lucrative option for experienced professionals willing to flex their hours. Employers in Vermillion vary widely, with in-house roles at banks or tech companies generally offering steadier pay and benefits, while ad agencies might propose lower starting hourly rates but provide a more varied workload. Designers must weigh these options carefully and negotiate based on their experience and skill set, particularly when it comes to hourly rates that reflect their expertise with Adobe CC and a robust portfolio. Moreover, accepting a lower hourly rate for permanent positions with benefits could lead to more stability, while freelance work may allow for higher earnings but comes with the uncertainty of inconsistent workloads.
More salary data for Vermillion, 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 Vermillion. 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 Vermillion 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