Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Fond du Lac, WI: $27.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Fond du Lac, WI runs $27.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,290 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Fond du Lac's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,770 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the graphic designer hourly pay is projected to be $27.06 in 2026, which falls short of the national hourly median of $31.29. This hourly rate provides an accessible income for both part-time professionals working three days a week and those engaged in per-diem opportunities. With an hourly range from $20.27 for entry-level roles to $42.77 for the highest earners, graphic designers in Fond du Lac can find diverse work environments. Whether they are collaborating in vibrant agency settings, contributing to in-house marketing teams, or freelancing from home, the choices available reflect a blend of company cultures and project scopes, allowing designers to leverage tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma for their work. This data, derived from BLS information, serves as a valuable reference for those considering a career in graphic design within this Wisconsin community.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.27 | $162.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.45 | $179.60 |
| Median (P50) | $27.06 | $216.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.92 | $271.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.77 | $342.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fond du Lac
Based on $27.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.06/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fond du Lac, WI can expect to earn approximately $56,284 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,472. With a cost-of-living index of 91.64 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fond du Lac.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fond du Lac
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,082.39 | $4,690 | $56,284 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $649.43 | $2,814 | $33,770 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $432.95 | $1,876 | $22,514 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Fond du Lac) | $27.06 |
| 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 Fond du Lac, WI earn a median of $56,290 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.50% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 8.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,251.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.06/hr = $33,770/year (purchasing power: $36,850).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,284/year (purchasing power: $61,417).
CoL index: 91.643 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Fond du Lac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Fond du Lac grew 28.8% from $20.32/hr (2019) to $26.18/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.97/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 Fond du Lac 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 Fond du Lac
For part-time graphic designers in Fond du Lac, working a typical schedule of three days per week would translate to an annual income of approximately $33,653, compared to full-time earnings that can be significantly higher. Per-diem positions often see graphic designers billing rates from $50 to $95 per hour, reflecting specialized roles that command higher pay due to their expertise. Senior brand designers can expect $75 to $150 per hour, and motion graphics specialists may achieve rates between $100 and $180 per hour, highlighting the potential for lucrative contracts and project work. The difference in hourly wages among employers can also be notable; in-house corporate teams often present steadier pay and benefits compared to the dynamic offerings at advertising and design agencies. Graphic designers should consider negotiating not only for hourly rates but also for benefits — some may opt for lower pay that includes health insurance rather than seeking higher wages with no additional support. Understanding local market dynamics and tailoring negotiation strategies accordingly can help graphic designers maximize their earnings in Fond du Lac.
More salary data for Fond du Lac, WI:
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 Fond du Lac. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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