Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Manitowoc, WI: $28.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Manitowoc, WI runs $28.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,579 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Manitowoc's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,151 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manitowoc, Wisconsin, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $28.17, which falls below the national median of $31.29. This hourly pay structure is particularly relevant for part-time workers and freelancers, as it influences their income potential within environments like agency settings, in-house departments, or home offices. For those working three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, the earnings can accumulate to a considerable sum over a year, particularly when multiplied across different settings. The overall hourly range for graphic designers in the area spans from $18.84 for entry-level positions to $43.65 for top earners, showcasing the potential for growth and variation based on experience and skill set.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.84 | $150.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.51 | $180.09 |
| Median (P50) | $28.17 | $225.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.05 | $288.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.65 | $349.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manitowoc
Based on $28.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.17/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manitowoc, WI can expect to earn approximately $58,584 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,799. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Manitowoc.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manitowoc
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,126.62 | $4,882 | $58,584 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $675.97 | $2,929 | $35,151 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.65 | $1,953 | $23,434 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Manitowoc) | $28.17 |
| 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 Manitowoc, WI earn a median of $58,579 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.98% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 4.40% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,275.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.17/hr = $35,151/year (purchasing power: $37,635).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,584/year (purchasing power: $62,724).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Manitowoc grew 20.8% from $22.55/hr (2019) to $27.25/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.11/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 Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
For part-time graphic designers, the annual income can significantly differ compared to full-time roles, creating a unique dynamic for those choosing to work three days a week. This segment may see annual earnings that reflect their reduced hours, but they could still take home a sustainable income. In the per-diem realm, contract graphic designers often charge higher rates, ranging from $50 to $95 per hour, while specialists in motion graphics or brand identity can command between $100 and $180 per hour. Employers in Manitowoc, including in-house corporate teams and agencies, typically reflect varying hourly rates based on their specific needs and budget considerations. Designers frequently face a trade-off between lower hourly wages with benefits at established firms and higher rates in freelance or contract work, but without benefits. When negotiating rates, aspiring graphic designers in Manitowoc should consider their unique value, leveraging their expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and emerging specialties to secure favorable terms for their hourly work.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Manitowoc. 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 Manitowoc 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