Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in McKinney, TX: $23.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in McKinney, TX runs $23.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,393 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against McKinney's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,630 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in McKinney, Texas, earn a median hourly rate of $23.74, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.29. This hourly pay reflects the local market dynamics and living costs in McKinney, encouraging a mix of full-time and part-time opportunities. For those considering part-time work, a schedule of three days a week can yield a take-home of around $18,000 annually, an attractive option for many seeking flexibility. Freelance and per-diem arrangements are also common, allowing graphic designers to tap into diverse work environments like agency settings, corporate marketing departments, and remote positions. The hourly pay range for graphic designers in McKinney varies significantly, with entry-level designers starting at approximately $14.91, reaching up to $36.81 for top earners. This pay scale underscores the competitive landscape, where experience and specialization, such as in Adobe CC or motion graphics, can impact earnings markedly.
About the McKinney Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.91 | $119.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.92 | $143.38 |
| Median (P50) | $23.74 | $189.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.40 | $243.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.81 | $294.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McKinney
Based on $23.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.74/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McKinney, TX can expect to earn approximately $49,383 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,490. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in McKinney.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McKinney
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $949.67 | $4,115 | $49,383 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $569.80 | $2,469 | $29,630 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $379.87 | $1,646 | $19,753 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (McKinney) | $23.74 |
| 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 McKinney, TX earn a median of $49,393 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.10% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.70% below the Texas state average of $49,741.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.74/hr = $29,630/year (purchasing power: $30,864).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,383/year (purchasing power: $51,441).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in McKinney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in McKinney grew 20.8% from $19.01/hr (2019) to $22.97/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.54/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 McKinney 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 McKinney
In terms of overall earning potential, it’s critical to assess how a graphic designer might fare working part-time versus full-time. For a graphic designer working three days a week, the annual income could average around $18,000, while a full-time position at 40 hours weekly could improve this drastically. Per-diem graphic designer pay in McKinney showcases even higher earning brackets; professionals billing between $50 and $95 per hour can significantly boost their annual income, particularly in contract roles for agencies. Senior professionals in specialized fields, such as motion graphics, can command hourly rates of $100 to $180. Different employer types in McKinney also affect hourly rates, where in-house roles tend to offer steadier wages and benefits, while agencies might present lower starting salaries with broader project exposure. Freelancers face a saturated marketplace but can negotiate higher rates for premium projects. When negotiating hourly pay, it’s beneficial to consider both the financial and benefits trade-offs, aligning personal priorities with job opportunities in McKinney.
More salary data for McKinney, TX:
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 McKinney. 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 McKinney 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