Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $32.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in University Place, WA runs $32.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,632 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,175 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Place, Washington, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $32.99, which surpasses the national median of $31.29. This difference highlights the financial appeal of working in this region for both full-time and part-time designers. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into significant take-home pay, enabling professionals to thrive while balancing personal commitments. The hourly pay can vary substantially, with entry-level positions starting around $20.71, while top earners can command rates as high as $51.14. Typical environments for graphic designers include agency spaces, corporate in-house marketing teams, freelance home offices, and production shop floors, all of which reflect a wide array of work experiences. This versatility allows designers in University Place to negotiate their compensation based on their skills and project demands, making the hourly pay a crucial aspect of their professional journey.
About the University Place 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) | $20.71 | $165.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.37 | $203.00 |
| Median (P50) | $32.99 | $263.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.43 | $331.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.14 | $409.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $32.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.99/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $68,624 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,591. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,319.70 | $5,719 | $68,624 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $791.82 | $3,431 | $41,175 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $527.88 | $2,287 | $27,450 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (University Place) | $32.99 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $68,632 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.47% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $69,961.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.99/hr = $41,175/year (purchasing power: $38,338).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,624/year (purchasing power: $63,896).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in University Place grew 20.8% from $26.42/hr (2019) to $31.92/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.10/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 University Place 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 University Place
When considering the financial landscape for graphic designers in University Place, working part-time generates substantial income opportunities. A graphic designer working a 24-hour week could expect to take home around $41,028 annually, highlighting how part-time roles still offer competitive attainments relative to full-time positions. On another spectrum, per-diem graphic designers tend to charge higher rates, often billing between $50 and $95 per hour, with specialists in motion graphics and senior brand designers charging even more. Hourly rates fluctuate significantly depending on employer type; those in corporate marketing or advertising agencies frequently enjoy steadier hours and benefits, while freelancers or those in contract roles often sacrifice these in exchange for higher pay. Designers should consider this trade-off between steady employment with benefits versus the potentially lucrative freelance path. When negotiating hourly rates, it's essential for graphic designers in University Place to highlight their unique skill sets and industry demands to maximize their compensation, especially as the market for specialized roles grows.
More salary data for University Place, 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 University Place. 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 University Place 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