Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Waukesha, WI: $31.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Waukesha, WI runs $31.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,660 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Waukesha's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,801 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukesha, Wisconsin, graphic designers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $31.09, which is slightly below the national median of $31.29. For individuals working part-time, such as those engaged in freelance or per-diem roles, this translates to potential earnings of around $25,000 when working three days a week. Designers in various environments such as agency creative floors, remote settings, or packaging shops range widely in pay; entry-level positions start near $19.01 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $48.19. This hourly rate reflects the averages derived from projected annual salary data, allowing aspiring designers in Waukesha to gauge their earning potential based on the varying demands of the job market within the state.
About the Waukesha 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) | $19.01 | $152.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.61 | $188.86 |
| Median (P50) | $31.09 | $248.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.65 | $317.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.19 | $385.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukesha
Based on $31.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.09/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukesha, WI can expect to earn approximately $64,669 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,309. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukesha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukesha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,243.63 | $5,389 | $64,669 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $746.18 | $3,233 | $38,801 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.45 | $2,156 | $25,867 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Waukesha) | $31.09 |
| 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 Waukesha, WI earn a median of $64,660 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.64% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.60% above the Wisconsin state average of $61,231.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.09/hr = $38,801/year (purchasing power: $41,543).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,669/year (purchasing power: $69,238).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Waukesha grew 20.8% from $24.90/hr (2019) to $30.08/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.14/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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha
The part-time income scenario showcases how a 24-hour work week impacts overall annual earnings, potentially leading to a more flexible lifestyle but with a significant trade-off in total take-home pay compared to full-time employment. For per-diem and contract graphic designers, billing rates can vary dramatically, with rates between $50-$95 per hour being common for standard projects. Senior specialists focusing on motion graphics, for instance, can command hourly rates of $100-$180, highlighting a distinct value based on expertise. Hourly rates also differ by sector; graphic designers in corporate marketing roles might earn less than those in advertising agencies or freelance environments, which often boast higher rates but vary in benefits. Many designers must evaluate the balance between steady corporate work, which often includes health insurance, and higher hourly gigs that lack those benefits. For those seeking positions in Waukesha, negotiating effectively around these pay scales can lead to better compensation while aligning with personal and professional goals.
More salary data for Waukesha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Waukesha in 2026?
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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 Waukesha. 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 Waukesha 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