Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Waco, TX: $26.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Waco, TX runs $26.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,698 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Waco's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,816 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waco, Texas, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $26.29, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.29. This difference might influence decisions for part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, as well as per-diem workers who typically operate in varied environments like agency studios, corporate marketing offices, or freelance settings. The hourly pay ranges from $18.50 for entry-level positions to $45.30 for top earners in the field, providing a clear pathway for growth depending on experience and area of specialization. This information is derived from official projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, expected to shape the market in 2026.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.50 | $148.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.57 | $180.59 |
| Median (P50) | $26.29 | $210.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.32 | $282.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.30 | $362.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waco
Based on $26.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.29/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waco, TX can expect to earn approximately $54,693 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,554. With a cost-of-living index of 92.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,051.79 | $4,558 | $54,693 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $631.07 | $2,735 | $32,816 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $420.72 | $1,823 | $21,877 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Waco) | $26.29 |
| 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 Waco, TX earn a median of $54,698 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.95% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 10.00% above the Texas state average of $49,726.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.29/hr = $32,816/year (purchasing power: $35,457).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,693/year (purchasing power: $59,096).
CoL index: 92.55 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Waco grew 33.0% from $19.13/hr (2019) to $25.44/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.18/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 Waco 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 Waco
When considering part-time availability, a graphic designer working 24 hours a week could anticipate earnings that create a significant gap compared to full-time colleagues, emphasizing the importance of consistent work for sustainable income. Per-diem graphic designers in Waco often command significantly higher rates, billing anywhere from $50 to $95 an hour, with specialized roles such as senior brand designers earning between $75 and $150. Various employer types also contribute to wage differences; in-house roles may offer steadier pay and health benefits but often come with a narrower focus, while agencies tend to pay less initially but offer broader creative opportunities. Freelancers, particularly in high-demand niches like motion graphics or brand identity, can secure project fees ranging from $3,000 to over $30,000, depending on the project scope. For those in Waco, understanding the nuances of graphic designer hourly pay can empower skilled professionals to negotiate effectively their worth against the backdrop of both local and national standards.
More salary data for Waco, 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 Waco. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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