Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in West Allis, WI: $29.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in West Allis, WI runs $29.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,301 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against West Allis's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,776 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the graphic designer hourly pay in West Allis, Wisconsin, is projected to be $29.47, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This hourly rate provides valuable insight for those considering part-time or per-diem work, such as a designer working three days a week or taking on freelance projects. With an hourly range from $17.94 for entry-level positions to $45.69 for top earners, there is significant opportunity depending on experience and specialty areas. Typical workplaces include agency environments with open studios, in-house marketing departments, or remote setups featuring Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, accommodating various work styles and preferences. The hourly rates reflect broader salary estimates, capturing the spectrum of compensation available to designers in this vibrant area.
About the West Allis 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) | $17.94 | $143.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.32 | $178.52 |
| Median (P50) | $29.47 | $235.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.73 | $301.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.69 | $365.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Allis
Based on $29.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.47/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Allis, WI can expect to earn approximately $61,293 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,362. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Allis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Allis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,178.72 | $5,108 | $61,293 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $707.23 | $3,065 | $36,776 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.49 | $2,043 | $24,517 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (West Allis) | $29.47 |
| 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 West Allis, WI earn a median of $61,301 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.80% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.10% above the Wisconsin state average of $61,240.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.47/hr = $36,776/year (purchasing power: $39,375).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,293/year (purchasing power: $65,625).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in West Allis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in West Allis grew 20.8% from $23.60/hr (2019) to $28.51/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.46/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 West Allis 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 West Allis
For those contemplating a part-time role—as in the case of a designer working 24 hours a week—the annual income would amount to $36,694, significantly less than what a full-time graphic designer might earn. Per-diem or contract designers often charge considerably more, billing between $50 and $95 per hour depending on their expertise. In West Allis, the hourly pay can differ greatly based on the type of employer; in-house corporate marketing teams may offer steadier pay with benefits while advertising agencies may provide a creative environment but lower initial rates. Furthermore, specialties like motion graphics or brand identity can command significantly higher compensation, with rates ranging up to $180 per hour. Understanding these dynamics allows graphic designers to negotiate effectively, weighing the trade-offs between consistent hourly pay and the benefits typically associated with full-time positions.
More salary data for West Allis, 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 West Allis. 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 West Allis 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