Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Bentonville, AR: $19.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Bentonville, AR runs $19.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,630 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Bentonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,380 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bentonville, AR, a graphic designer's hourly pay is projected to be $19.54 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This wage is indicative of both the regional economic environment and the saturation of designers in the area. For those considering part-time or per-diem roles, such as working three days a week, the income would generally reflect this hourly rate; however, freelancers could command varying rates depending on the complexity of the project. The hourly range for designers in Bentonville spans from $11.48 at entry-level positions to $30.27 for experienced professionals, illustrating the potential for growth even within the confines of a smaller market that features in-house roles, collaborative workspaces, and freelance opportunities.
About the Bentonville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($45,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.48 | $91.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.66 | $125.27 |
| Median (P50) | $19.54 | $156.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.00 | $200.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.27 | $242.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bentonville
Based on $19.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.54/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bentonville, AR can expect to earn approximately $40,633 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,442. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bentonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bentonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $781.40 | $3,386 | $40,633 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $468.84 | $2,032 | $24,380 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $312.56 | $1,354 | $16,253 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Bentonville) | $19.54 |
| 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 Bentonville, AR earn a median of $40,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 37.56% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.20% below the Arkansas state average of $41,123.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.54/hr = $24,380/year (purchasing power: $28,055).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,633/year (purchasing power: $46,758).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Bentonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Bentonville grew 20.8% from $15.64/hr (2019) to $18.90/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.19/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 Bentonville 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 Bentonville
The landscape of part-time earning potential in Bentonville tells a different story. A graphic designer working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $24,000 annually, which can pale in comparison to full-time earnings but offers greater flexibility. Per-diem arrangements within local agencies can yield considerably higher rates; designers billing $50-$95 an hour for project-based work offer insight into the lucrative contracts available, particularly for senior-level designers and specialists in motion graphics or brand identity who can earn even more. While corporate in-house positions often provide stability and benefits, the trade-off for freelancers and those in agency settings lies in the pursuit of higher project diversity and personal growth opportunities, albeit with the risk of variable income. Negotiating hourly rates effectively in Bentonville requires understanding these market distinctions, targeting employers who recognize the value of skilled design work while factoring in their own economic constraints.
More salary data for Bentonville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Bentonville in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in Bentonville?
Are graphic designers in Bentonville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in Bentonville?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in Bentonville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 Bentonville. 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 Bentonville 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