Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Mountlake Terrace, WA: $31.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Mountlake Terrace, WA runs $31.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,789 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Mountlake Terrace's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,879 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Mountlake Terrace, WA, earn a median hourly pay of $31.15, which is slightly below the national median of $31.29. This figure indicates a competitive rate for part-time and freelance designers, who often work in diverse environments such as agency creative floors, in-house marketing departments, and home offices. With an hourly range from $21.45 for entry-level positions to $48.28 for top earners, graphic designers in the area can find opportunities that cater to their skill level and work preferences. The estimated rates reflect the industry's reliance on annual salary data, making it vital for both employers and employees to consider how hourly wages translate to project-based or per diem work arrangements typical of the profession.
About the Mountlake Terrace 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) | $21.45 | $171.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.25 | $202.01 |
| Median (P50) | $31.15 | $249.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.87 | $318.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.28 | $386.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mountlake Terrace
Based on $31.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.15/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mountlake Terrace, WA can expect to earn approximately $64,798 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,383. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mountlake Terrace.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mountlake Terrace
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,246.11 | $5,400 | $64,798 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $747.66 | $3,240 | $38,879 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.44 | $2,160 | $25,919 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Mountlake Terrace) | $31.15 |
| 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 Mountlake Terrace, WA earn a median of $64,789 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.44% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.40% below the Washington state average of $69,967.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.15/hr = $38,879/year (purchasing power: $36,200).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,798/year (purchasing power: $60,333).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Mountlake Terrace (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Mountlake Terrace grew 20.8% from $24.95/hr (2019) to $30.14/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.20/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 Mountlake Terrace 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 Mountlake Terrace
Analyzing the earnings potential for graphic designers reveals several insights for those considering part-time opportunities in Mountlake Terrace. For example, a designer working three days a week, averaging 24 hours, could take home approximately $39,600 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart's yearly income. Freelance rates for graphic designers can vary significantly; per diem rates often range from $50 to $95 per hour for standard work, with seasoned specialists charging upwards of $100 or more for specific projects like motion graphics or brand identity development. While some choose in-house marketing roles for steadier pay and benefits, others may prefer agency work for its variety, even if it offers a lower starting hourly pay. With such fluctuations, designers should be strategic when negotiating rates, keeping in mind the balance between hourly rates and provided benefits, ensuring they maximize their earning potential based on their experience and specialization.
More salary data for Mountlake Terrace, 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 Mountlake Terrace. 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 Mountlake Terrace 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