Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Lacey, WA: $33.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Lacey, WA runs $33.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,411 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Lacey's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,652 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lacey, Washington, graphic designers can expect a median hourly pay of $33.37, which reflects a competitive situation compared to the national hourly median of $31.29. This pay rate makes Lacey an appealing location for those considering both full-time and part-time roles in various environments, including agency creative floors, in-house marketing teams, and freelance setups. With hourly earnings ranging from $21.93 for entry-level positions to as much as $51.72 for top earners, this reflects a healthy demand for design skills across the area. The hourly pay is estimated from annual salary data, providing a useful perspective for part-time workers or per-diem graphic designers who may wish to balance their workload while still maximizing earnings.
About the Lacey 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) | $21.93 | $175.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.51 | $212.09 |
| Median (P50) | $33.37 | $267.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.48 | $339.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.72 | $413.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lacey
Based on $33.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.37/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lacey, WA can expect to earn approximately $69,420 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,050. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lacey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lacey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,335.00 | $5,785 | $69,420 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $801.00 | $3,471 | $41,652 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $534.00 | $2,314 | $27,768 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Lacey) | $33.37 |
| 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 Lacey, WA earn a median of $69,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.66% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.80% below the Washington state average of $69,971.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.37/hr = $41,652/year (purchasing power: $38,782).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,420/year (purchasing power: $64,637).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Lacey grew 20.8% from $26.73/hr (2019) to $32.29/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.50/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 Lacey 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 Lacey
For those working part-time, such as a graphic designer on a three-day workweek basis, the annual income can significantly differ compared to full-time employees. With a typical schedule of 24 hours per week, the yearly earnings would amount to approximately $51,769, illustrating how part-time work offers a feasible alternative for those looking for flexibility. Meanwhile, per-diem or agency-based graphic designers in Lacey can often command higher rates, typically billing between $50 and $95 per hour, with senior roles or specialized areas like motion graphics reaching values of $100-$180 per hour. Graphic designers employed by various types of companies—ranging from corporate marketing teams to advertising agencies—may find varying pay structures; while in-house positions often provide steadier income and benefits, agency roles typically offer more diverse projects and potentially higher hourly rates. Ultimately, negotiating a fair wage can involve weighing benefits against hourly pay, making it essential to consider both immediate earnings and overall job satisfaction in Lacey's graphic design market.
More salary data for Lacey, 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 Lacey. 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 Lacey 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