Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Olathe, KS: $28.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Olathe, KS runs $28.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,356 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Olathe's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,615 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For graphic designers in Olathe, KS, the projected median hourly pay in 2026 is $28.54, which falls below the national median of $31.29. This rate reflects the compensation available to those working in various environments, from open studio agency spaces to freelance home offices. For part-time designers working three days a week, this means a potential income of around $1,368 weekly or about $71,116 annually, assuming full workload capacity, translating into robust earnings for freelancers who can capitalize on built-in flexibility. The hourly range within Olathe varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $18.49, while experienced professionals can earn up to $44.23 per hour, illustrating possibilities for both newcomers and seasoned artists in this creative field.
About the Olathe 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) | $18.49 | $147.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.50 | $180.01 |
| Median (P50) | $28.54 | $228.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.53 | $292.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.23 | $353.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olathe
Based on $28.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.54/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olathe, KS can expect to earn approximately $59,358 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,245. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Olathe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olathe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,141.51 | $4,947 | $59,358 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $684.90 | $2,968 | $35,615 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $456.60 | $1,979 | $23,743 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Olathe) | $28.54 |
| 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 Olathe, KS earn a median of $59,356 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.79% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.30% above the Kansas state average of $59,178.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.54/hr = $35,615/year (purchasing power: $39,180).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,358/year (purchasing power: $65,301).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Olathe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Olathe grew 20.8% from $22.85/hr (2019) to $27.61/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.50/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 Olathe 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 Olathe
Considering the earnings potential for part-time graphic designers, those working 24 hours a week can realistically expect to take home about $39,409 annually based on Olathe's hourly rate, which illustrates how part-time work balances flexibility with fair compensation. Per diem graphic designers, often in agency settings, can charge significantly higher rates, with many billing between $50 and $95 per hour based on project complexity and client demand. Senior positions, such as brand designers or motion graphics specialists, can command upwards of $75 to $180 per hour. Variety among employers in Olathe—ranging from corporate marketing teams in established firms to nimble advertising agencies—means the hourly pay can vary widely. When negotiating salaries, graphic designers should weigh the trade-offs between steady in-house roles that often provide benefits, and the potential for higher hourly earnings in freelance or contract positions without health insurance. Understanding these dynamics can aid in securing competitive compensation tailored to individual career goals.
More salary data for Olathe, 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 Olathe. 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 Olathe 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