Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Oshkosh, WI: $29.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Oshkosh, WI runs $29.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,641 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Oshkosh's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,389 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the projected median hourly pay for graphic designers is $29.16, which is somewhat lower than the national median of $31.29. This disparity can influence career choices for designers, particularly those considering part-time positions or freelance opportunities. For those working three days a week in various environments—be it creative agency setups, corporate marketing offices, or remote freelancing—this hourly rate translates to a dependable income. The hourly range for graphic designers spans from about $22.98 for entry-level positions to $39.48 for more experienced professionals. All figures are sourced from official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates for 2026.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.98 | $183.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.71 | $197.71 |
| Median (P50) | $29.16 | $233.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.40 | $267.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.48 | $315.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oshkosh
Based on $29.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.16/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oshkosh, WI can expect to earn approximately $60,648 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,989. With a cost-of-living index of 92.93 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oshkosh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oshkosh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,166.31 | $5,054 | $60,648 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $699.79 | $3,032 | $36,389 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $466.53 | $2,022 | $24,259 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Oshkosh) | $29.16 |
| 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 Oshkosh, WI earn a median of $60,641 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.81% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,254.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.16/hr = $36,389/year (purchasing power: $39,158).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,648/year (purchasing power: $65,263).
CoL index: 92.929 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Oshkosh grew 34.0% from $21.06/hr (2019) to $28.21/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.14/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 Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh
Annual earnings for part-time graphic designers working 24 hours a week can total approximately $36,100, which presents a different financial reality compared to full-time work. In the per-diem market, graphic designers may command hourly rates significantly higher than the median, with rates ranging from $50 to $95 for standard projects, and specialized roles such as brand designers charging between $75 and $150. Freelancers focusing on comprehensive brand identity can also see project payments that reach up to $30,000 or more. The pay varies notably across different employer types in Oshkosh, driven by the balance between corporate positions, agency work, and freelance contracts. Many designers facing a choice must weigh lower hourly pay with benefits against higher pay without. For those negotiating their rates here, building a robust portfolio and utilizing industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite can help secure better deals.
More salary data for Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh. 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