Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in University Park, TX: $22.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in University Park, TX runs $22.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,121 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against University Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,275 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Park, Texas, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $22.66, significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This wage means that part-time designers, who might work three days a week, can expect to earn around $1,090 a month, making graphic design a viable option for those seeking flexible work options. For per-diem graphic designers, the hourly rate can vary widely, with entry-level designers starting at approximately $14.55 and seasoned professionals potentially earning up to $35.11 per hour. These figures are reflective of earnings driven by a combination of project types, workplace settings—ranging from in-house marketing departments to freelance home offices—and the volatility of the industry itself.
About the University Park 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) | $14.55 | $116.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.61 | $140.90 |
| Median (P50) | $22.66 | $181.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.99 | $231.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.11 | $280.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Park
Based on $22.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.66/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Park, TX can expect to earn approximately $47,126 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,188. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $906.26 | $3,927 | $47,126 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $543.76 | $2,356 | $28,275 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.50 | $1,571 | $18,850 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (University Park) | $22.66 |
| 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 University Park, TX earn a median of $47,121 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.59% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.30% below the Texas state average of $49,758.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.66/hr = $28,275/year (purchasing power: $29,453).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,126/year (purchasing power: $49,089).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in University Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in University Park grew 20.8% from $18.14/hr (2019) to $21.92/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.42/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 University Park 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 University Park
Part-time graphic designers focused solely on 24-hour work weeks can take home about $13,080 annually, substantially less than a full-time role, which is more consistent and offers benefits. In contrast, freelance or per-diem opportunities often bring higher rates; experienced individuals can charge between $50 and $95 per hour for contract work. Specialized skills such as motion graphics or brand identity can command premium pricing above even that. Employment across various sectors varies greatly; for example, corporate roles generally offer steady pay but may come with narrower responsibilities, while agencies typically provide broader project engagement at the cost of higher uncertainty. Designers in University Park should also consider negotiating hourly rates that factor in benefits versus merely higher pay; understanding this dynamic can lead to more favorable compensation plans in their careers.
More salary data for University Park, 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 University Park. 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 University Park 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