Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Garden City, KS: $28.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Garden City, KS runs $28.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,625 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Garden City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,176 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garden City, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $28.19, falling below the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This notable difference can be significant for professionals working part-time or freelancing, especially those in versatile settings such as agency studios, corporate marketing offices, or home-based setups. For instance, designers opting for a 3-day workweek can expect different outcomes, as their pay varies within a range that stretches from $18.16 at the entry level to approximately $43.69 for the most experienced professionals. These numbers, which reflect hourly rates estimated from annual salaries, indicate the financial landscape graphic designers face in their careers within Garden City, KS.
About the Garden City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.16 | $145.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.05 | $176.37 |
| Median (P50) | $28.19 | $225.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.07 | $288.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.69 | $349.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garden City
Based on $28.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.19/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garden City, KS can expect to earn approximately $58,627 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,824. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Garden City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garden City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,127.45 | $4,886 | $58,627 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $676.47 | $2,931 | $35,176 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.98 | $1,954 | $23,451 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Garden City) | $28.19 |
| 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 Garden City, KS earn a median of $58,625 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.91% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.90% below the Kansas state average of $59,157.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.19/hr = $35,176/year (purchasing power: $38,698).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,627/year (purchasing power: $64,497).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Garden City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Garden City grew 20.8% from $22.57/hr (2019) to $27.27/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.13/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 Garden City 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 Garden City
For part-time designers committing to a 24-hour workweek, the annual earnings can equate to about $35,077, providing a distinct lifestyle compared to full-time roles. Many per-diem or contract graphic designers often command hourly rates between $50 and $95, with specialized skills like motion graphics fetching rates up to $180. In Garden City, employment settings impact earnings; for example, corporate in-house teams might offer steadier but lower hourly rates, while agencies and freelancing present diverse challenges and potentially higher compensation. Designers must weigh the benefits of job security and health insurance against the allure of higher hourly pay without benefits. Negotiating effectively becomes crucial, emphasizing the value of unique skills and portfolio experience to align with market expectations.
More salary data for Garden City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Garden City in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in Garden City?
Are graphic designers in Garden City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in Garden City?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in Garden City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Garden City. 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 Garden City 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