Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $27.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Joliet, IL runs $27.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,970 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,777 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joliet, Illinois, graphic designers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $27.87, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.29. This difference in pay can influence the employment landscape for those pursuing part-time or per-diem positions. For instance, a designer working part-time at three days a week may find the trade-off between stability and flexibility appealing, even though their total weekly income may be less than what full-time counterparts earn. Hourly wages range from $17.63 for entry-level designers to $43.19 for those at the top of their field, reflecting varying levels of experience and specialization across employment settings such as agency studios, corporate marketing offices, and remote collaborations via platforms like Adobe and Figma.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.63 | $141.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.65 | $173.23 |
| Median (P50) | $27.87 | $222.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.67 | $285.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.19 | $345.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $27.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.87/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $57,961 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,439. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,114.63 | $4,830 | $57,961 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $668.78 | $2,898 | $34,777 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $445.85 | $1,932 | $23,184 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Joliet) | $27.87 |
| 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 Joliet, IL earn a median of $57,970 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.92% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $58,320.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.87/hr = $34,777/year (purchasing power: $35,815).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,961/year (purchasing power: $59,692).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Joliet grew 20.8% from $22.31/hr (2019) to $26.96/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.80/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 Joliet 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 Joliet
Examining the financial dynamics of graphic design in Joliet reveals various earning potentials, particularly for part-time workers. A designer logging 24 hours per week will earn approximately $34,655 annually, a figure significantly less than full-time equivalents. Per-diem and freelance graphic designers often command higher rates, with typical charges ranging from $50 to $95 per hour, depending on the project type and client's needs. Senior roles such as brand designers and motion graphics specialists can demand rates of $75 to $180 per hour, reflecting the premium placed on specialized skills. Additionally, corporate marketing teams tend to offer steadier pay and benefits, whereas agency roles may provide a more varied approach to projects, often with less predictable income but more creative freedom. These considerations influence how graphic designers negotiate their hourly compensation based on the specific work arrangement, the presence of benefits, and overall job satisfaction in Joliet.
More salary data for Joliet, 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 Joliet. 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 Joliet 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