Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Kenosha, WI: $33.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Kenosha, WI runs $33.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,055 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Kenosha's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.1, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,433 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kenosha, graphic designers earn an hourly median pay of $33.20, which surpasses the national median of $31.29, reflecting a competitive edge in this local market. This hourly wage allows for flexible work arrangements, making it feasible for part-time professionals (working three days a week) and per-diem workers to achieve a sustainable income while also catering to diverse work environments such as agency studios, in-house marketing departments, and freelance settings. Entry-level designers typically start at approximately $23.55 per hour, while top earners can secure around $47.67 per hour, providing a meaningful trajectory for career advancement within this vibrant sector. The statistics from official sources reinforce the viability of graphic design in Kenosha as a rewarding option for both new entrants and seasoned professionals.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.55 | $188.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.84 | $246.74 |
| Median (P50) | $33.20 | $265.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.47 | $315.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.67 | $381.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kenosha
Based on $33.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.20/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kenosha, WI can expect to earn approximately $69,054 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,839. With a cost-of-living index of 101.12 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kenosha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kenosha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,327.97 | $5,755 | $69,054 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $796.78 | $3,453 | $41,433 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $531.19 | $2,302 | $27,622 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Kenosha) | $33.20 |
| 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 Kenosha, WI earn a median of $69,055 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.12% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 12.70% above the Wisconsin state average of $61,273.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.20/hr = $41,433/year (purchasing power: $40,975).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,054/year (purchasing power: $68,291).
CoL index: 101.118 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Kenosha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Kenosha grew 20.8% from $26.58/hr (2019) to $32.12/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.31/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 Kenosha 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 Kenosha
Part-time graphic designers in Kenosha, working about 24 hours a week, can realistically take home around $40,000 annually, decent compensation compared to industry standards. While full-time designers often enjoy more stable earnings, those in per-diem and contract roles can see rates from $50 to $95 per hour, with specialized skills—like motion graphics—commanding even higher fees that range from $100 to $180 per hour. Companies and agencies in various sectors, whether in-house at corporate marketing teams or within dynamic advertising agencies, present a range of hourly rates based on their specific needs. Designers may trade off a higher hourly rate for the benefits offered by full-time employment or opt for the flexibility and potentially higher earnings from freelance projects. Thus, understanding the negotiating landscape is vital; being informed about industry specifics can significantly impact compensation.
More salary data for Kenosha, 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 Kenosha. 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, 2-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