Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Wauwatosa, WI: $27.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Wauwatosa, WI runs $27.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,067 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Wauwatosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,841 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $27.92, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.29. This discrepancy highlights the regional economic factors influencing graphic designer hourly pay in WI. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this translates to a more modest income, as they would earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Freelance environments and agency settings often create varying pay structures, with hourly rates ranging from $18.27 for entry-level positions to $43.27 for those at the top of their game. The local design scene involves diverse working environments such as agency creative floors, in-house corporate marketing departments, and remote setups, all contributing to a fluctuating hourly landscape and prospects for designers.
About the Wauwatosa 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) | $18.27 | $146.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.03 | $176.21 |
| Median (P50) | $27.92 | $223.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.73 | $285.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.27 | $346.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wauwatosa
Based on $27.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.92/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wauwatosa, WI can expect to earn approximately $58,068 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,501. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wauwatosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wauwatosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,116.70 | $4,839 | $58,068 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $670.02 | $2,903 | $34,841 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $446.68 | $1,936 | $23,227 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Wauwatosa) | $27.92 |
| 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 Wauwatosa, WI earn a median of $58,067 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,252.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.92/hr = $34,841/year (purchasing power: $37,303).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,068/year (purchasing power: $62,172).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Wauwatosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Wauwatosa grew 20.8% from $22.36/hr (2019) to $27.01/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.86/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 Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa
When considering part-time engagement, a graphic designer who works 24 hours per week could earn roughly $43,764 annually based on local rates, which is a fraction of what a full-time designer would collect. In contrast, per-diem graphic designers in Wauwatosa may charge anywhere from $50 to $95 an hour, representing a lucrative opportunity for seasoned professionals looking to enhance their earnings. Various design specialization impacts pay scale tremendously; for instance, motion graphics specialists could bill upwards of $100 per hour, attracting demand with their distinct skill set. Additionally, hourly wages depend heavily on the type of employer—corporate in-house teams may offer steady pay with benefits, while agency or freelance roles might present opportunities for higher fees but less job security. Designers often need to navigate negotiation dynamics, balancing the lure of higher hourly rates against the security of corporate benefits, especially in a city like Wauwatosa where cost of living is below the national average.
More salary data for Wauwatosa, 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 Wauwatosa. 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 Wauwatosa 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