Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $33.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Chicago, IL runs $33.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,724 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,239 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Chicago earn a median hourly rate of $33.04, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $31.29. This means that graphic designers working in various settings—such as agency creative floors, in-house marketing departments, or freelance home offices—can expect a fair wage, whether they are full-time employees or part-time workers logging 24 hours a week. For per-diem graphic designers, the hourly pay can range significantly, reflecting experience and specialization; entry-level positions may start around $21.75, whereas top earners can make up to $50.01 per hour. Such rates are officially backed by data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, illustrating the ongoing demand for graphic design skills in Chicago, IL, amid a dynamic job market.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.75 | $173.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.86 | $206.89 |
| Median (P50) | $33.04 | $264.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.54 | $332.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.01 | $400.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $33.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.04/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $68,732 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,653. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,321.77 | $5,728 | $68,732 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $793.06 | $3,437 | $41,239 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $528.71 | $2,291 | $27,493 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Chicago) | $33.04 |
| 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 Chicago, IL earn a median of $68,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.61% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 17.80% above the Illinois state average of $58,340.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.04/hr = $41,239/year (purchasing power: $39,808).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,732/year (purchasing power: $66,347).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Chicago grew 15.5% from $27.67/hr (2019) to $31.97/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.15/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 Chicago 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 Chicago
Part-time graphic designers working three days a week can expect to see a take-home income that aligns with their hourly pay, offering flexibility while still providing a decent living. For instance, a graphic designer billing $50 per hour could generate approximately $62,400 annually, demonstrating viable earning potential without committing to full-time hours. Additionally, per-diem and contract graphic designers often command higher rates, with typical billing for agency work ranging from $50 to $95 per hour and specialized roles in brand identity or motion graphics fetching up to $180 per hour. The disparity in wages reflects employer type—corporate environments may provide steadier income and benefits but often at a lower hourly rate compared to agency or freelance opportunities that allow for negotiating higher fees. For graphic designers in Chicago, this means a considered choice between hourly pay and benefits, with practical negotiation techniques such as showcasing an updated portfolio and emphasizing relevant experience becoming critical in securing the desired rate.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
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 Chicago. 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