Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Kirkland, WA: $33.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Kirkland, WA runs $33.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,748 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Kirkland's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,845 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kirkland, WA, the graphic designer hourly pay averages $33.53, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $31.29. This figure reflects the diversity of work settings for graphic designers, including agency creative floors, in-house marketing departments, freelance home offices, and remote collaborations using tools like Adobe and Figma. For those working part-time, which may often mean three days a week, this hourly rate can offer a stable income while allowing for flexibility in projects. Furthermore, the hourly range in Kirkland starts at $20.16 for entry-level workers and can escalate to $51.98 for the top earners. This estimated hourly pay structure illustrates both the local demand for graphic design talent and the potential financial benefits of this career path in the region.
About the Kirkland Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.16 | $161.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.22 | $201.76 |
| Median (P50) | $33.53 | $268.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.93 | $343.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.98 | $415.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kirkland
Based on $33.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.53/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kirkland, WA can expect to earn approximately $69,742 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,236. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kirkland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kirkland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,341.20 | $5,812 | $69,742 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $804.72 | $3,487 | $41,845 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $536.48 | $2,325 | $27,897 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Kirkland) | $33.53 |
| 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 Kirkland, WA earn a median of $69,748 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.18% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.30% below the Washington state average of $69,958.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.53/hr = $41,845/year (purchasing power: $38,962).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,742/year (purchasing power: $64,937).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Kirkland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Kirkland grew 20.8% from $26.85/hr (2019) to $32.44/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.66/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 Kirkland 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 Kirkland
For graphic designers considering part-time opportunities in Kirkland, working 24 hours a week could yield an annual income of approximately $41,800, which may not compare favorably to a full-time $69,748. Many graphic designers operating under per diem contracts typically bill anywhere from $50 to $95 an hour. For those with specialized skills, such as motion graphics or brand design, rates can escalate significantly, with senior professionals charging $75 to $180 per hour depending on the complexity and scope of their work. In Kirkland, hourly pay varies by employer type; in-house roles with corporations generally offer steadier wages and benefits, while advertising agencies present a mix of lower starting rates but often higher potential for creativity and project diversity. Designers might negotiate hours to strike a balance between benefits and hourly pay, opting for lower hourly rates with health insurance or choosing freelance work for greater flexibility without benefits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for successfully navigating the graphic designer hourly rate in WA.
More salary data for Kirkland, WA:
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 Kirkland. 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 Kirkland 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