Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Muskego, WI: $28.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Muskego, WI runs $28.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,226 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Muskego's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,538 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muskego, Wisconsin, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $28.48, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.29. This difference can impact those considering part-time, freelance, or per-diem work in the area, where an hourly range exists from $19.56 for entry-level positions to $44.13 for high earners. Within environments like agency studios, in-house marketing departments, and remote setups using Adobe Creative Suite, this hourly rate allows for a potentially flexible schedule. Designers working three days a week could find it beneficial, as they can enjoy a balanced work-life dynamic while still earning a competitive wage relative to the local market. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these estimates are derived from annual salary figures, thus providing a gauge rather than an exact measure of what one might take home every week.
About the Muskego 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) | $19.56 | $156.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.14 | $185.14 |
| Median (P50) | $28.48 | $227.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.85 | $286.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.13 | $353.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muskego
Based on $28.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.48/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muskego, WI can expect to earn approximately $59,229 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,171. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muskego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muskego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,139.03 | $4,936 | $59,229 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $683.42 | $2,961 | $35,538 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.61 | $1,974 | $23,692 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Muskego) | $28.48 |
| 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 Muskego, WI earn a median of $59,226 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.99% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,247.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.48/hr = $35,538/year (purchasing power: $38,049).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,229/year (purchasing power: $63,415).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Muskego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Muskego grew 20.8% from $22.80/hr (2019) to $27.55/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.43/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 Muskego 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 Muskego
When looking at part-time opportunities, a graphic designer working 24 hours per week can expect to earn about $35,481 annually. In contrast, full-time designers could realize the full potential of their craft within corporate settings, ads agencies, or as freelancers. In-demand specialties like motion graphics can lead to per diem graphic designer pay in Muskego that may range from $50 to $180 an hour depending on experience, with contracts commanding flat fees from $3,000 to over $30,000 based on project scope. Hourly rates may vary considerably based on the employer type, with in-house teams typically offering steadier salaries and benefits against the potentially higher but more unstable earnings found in agencies and freelance gigs. For those negotiating hourly wages, being prepared to discuss project impact and portfolio depth can facilitate better pay, especially in a city where the design job market is evolving alongside regional economic trends.
More salary data for Muskego, 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 Muskego. 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 Muskego 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