Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Pullman, WA: $32.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Pullman, WA runs $32.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,166 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Pullman's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,298 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pullman, WA, the average graphic designer earns a median hourly rate of $32.29, which is notably above the national median of $31.29. This salary offers a solid foundation for part-time and per-diem work, particularly suited to the flexible environments commonly found in the field, such as agency studios, in-house marketing departments, and remote setups via tools like Adobe and Figma. Entry-level graphic designers typically start around $21.79, while more experienced professionals can command up to $50.06 per hour, reflecting the diversity in roles ranging from freelance projects to stable positions within larger companies. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates and underline the potential for both creativity and income within the graphic design profession in Pullman.
About the Pullman 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) | $21.79 | $174.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.95 | $207.63 |
| Median (P50) | $32.29 | $258.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.33 | $330.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.06 | $400.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pullman
Based on $32.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.29/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pullman, WA can expect to earn approximately $67,163 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,748. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pullman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pullman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,291.59 | $5,597 | $67,163 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $774.95 | $3,358 | $40,298 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $516.63 | $2,239 | $26,865 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Pullman) | $32.29 |
| 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 Pullman, WA earn a median of $67,166 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.21% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 4.00% below the Washington state average of $69,965.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.29/hr = $40,298/year (purchasing power: $37,521).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,163/year (purchasing power: $62,535).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Pullman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Pullman grew 20.8% from $25.86/hr (2019) to $31.24/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.37/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 Pullman 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 Pullman
Evaluating the potential earnings, a part-time graphic designer working three days a week for 24 hours could anticipate an annual income significantly less than their full-time peers yet still lucrative, depending on contract terms. For producers in the per-diem category, compensation can vary widely, with contracts typically yielding between $50 and $95 per hour. Specialists in motion graphics and brand identity might earn even more, often billing rates from $100 to $180 for complex projects. Additionally, those working in-house with corporations may benefit from steadier pay and health benefits, while freelancing offers a broader spectrum of projects yet comes with income variability. Navigating this trade-off can be crucial as graphic designers assess the hourly rates against their financial needs and personal preferences. For those negotiating rates in Pullman, targeting employers aligned with higher pay structures such as advertising agencies or tech firms can yield better opportunities compared to traditional print or production work.
More salary data for Pullman, 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 Pullman. 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 Pullman 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