Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Blaine, MN: $28.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Blaine, MN runs $28.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,553 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Blaine's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,138 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Blaine, Minnesota, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $28.16, which is lower than the national median of $31.29. This difference in pay highlights the potential financial considerations for those working part-time or freelance. For instance, a designer working three days a week at this rate would generate approximately $21,500 annually, while also having the flexibility to engage in freelance projects or part-time work setups in various environments, such as agency studios, in-house marketing teams, or even from home. The hourly pay for graphic designers locally ranges from $18.04 at the 10th percentile to $43.64 for the top 90th percentile, suggesting a competitive atmosphere for both new entrants and seasoned professionals aiming for freelance jobs or agency roles.
About the Blaine Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.04 | $144.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.00 | $175.96 |
| Median (P50) | $28.16 | $225.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.03 | $288.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.64 | $349.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Blaine
Based on $28.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.16/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Blaine, MN can expect to earn approximately $58,563 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,786. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Blaine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Blaine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,126.21 | $4,880 | $58,563 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $675.73 | $2,928 | $35,138 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.48 | $1,952 | $23,425 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Blaine) | $28.16 |
| 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 Blaine, MN earn a median of $58,553 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.02% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.90% below the Minnesota state average of $60,302.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.16/hr = $35,138/year (purchasing power: $35,673).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,563/year (purchasing power: $59,455).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Blaine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Blaine grew 20.8% from $22.55/hr (2019) to $27.24/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.10/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 Blaine 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 Blaine
A significant aspect of graphic design employment in Blaine is the varied earning potential depending on the work structure and market positioning. Part-time graphic designers who commit to 24 hours a week may find themselves with a salary that barely scratches the surface compared to full-time counterparts, especially against the backdrop of local living expenses. Per-diem graphic designers in the area can bill significantly more, with rates often reaching between $50 and $95 per hour, especially for specialized roles like motion graphics or high-end brand design. The decision to accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits, particularly in-house positions at corporations, illustrates the trade-offs between job stability and pay. Negotiating hourly rates requires understanding one’s value in the market, particularly when factoring in demand for specific skills such as Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, web design, and branding. In Blaine, where market saturation can affect freelance rates, establishing a niche could be crucial for maximizing income.
More salary data for Blaine, MN:
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 Blaine. 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 Blaine 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