Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Hutchinson, KS: $27.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Hutchinson, KS runs $27.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,868 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Hutchinson's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,725 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Earning a graphic designer hourly pay in Hutchinson is projected to average $27.82 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $31.29. This difference reflects the regional cost of living in Hutchinson, which is below the national average. For part-time designers working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a steady flow of income, suitable for those balancing other commitments. Freelance graphic designers could find themselves working in various environments, whether it’s a home office, coworking space, or the ever-popular agency settings full of energy and collaboration. Entry-level designers can expect to earn around $18.69 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $43.12, indicating a diverse range of pay depending on experience and specialization within the field.
About the Hutchinson 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) | $18.69 | $149.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.39 | $179.10 |
| Median (P50) | $27.82 | $222.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.81 | $278.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.12 | $344.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hutchinson
Based on $27.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.82/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hutchinson, KS can expect to earn approximately $57,875 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,389. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hutchinson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hutchinson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,112.98 | $4,823 | $57,875 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $667.79 | $2,894 | $34,725 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $445.19 | $1,929 | $23,150 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Hutchinson) | $27.82 |
| 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 Hutchinson, KS earn a median of $57,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.07% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.20% below the Kansas state average of $59,170.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.82/hr = $34,725/year (purchasing power: $38,201).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,875/year (purchasing power: $63,669).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Hutchinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Hutchinson grew 20.8% from $22.28/hr (2019) to $26.92/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.76/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 Hutchinson 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 Hutchinson
As part-time graphic designers settle into their roles, earning a consistent income can lead to substantial annual take-home pay, even when compared to full-time positions. Working 24 hours a week at the median rate could yield about $43,374 annually, allowing for a satisfying lifestyle. Freelance or per-diem graphic designers often have more significant earning potential, billing anywhere from $50 to $95 per hour, especially for specialized work like motion graphics or brand identity projects, which can command rates of $100 to $180 per hour. In Hutchinson, the hourly rates vary across employers, with in-house positions offering steadier, though sometimes lower pay compared to lively agency jobs where creativity flows freely. Designers who choose jobs with benefits might accept a lower hourly pay for those perks, while those opting for contract work could negotiate rates based on project scope. When negotiating pay, understanding the local market, showcasing a strong portfolio, and demonstrating expertise with tools like Adobe CC will be key in reaching desired compensation levels.
More salary data for Hutchinson, KS:
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 Hutchinson. 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 Hutchinson 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