Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Mankato, MN: $26.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Mankato, MN runs $26.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,969 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Mankato's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,590 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Mankato, Minnesota, graphic designers can expect a median hourly pay of $26.91, which falls below the national median of $31.29. This rate creates various earning opportunities, particularly for those considering part-time work or per-diem assignments. For instance, a graphic designer working three days a week could enjoy a balanced workload while earning a steady income. The hourly pay range in Mankato varies, with entry-level positions starting around $19.25 and experienced designers reaching up to $42.93 per hour. These estimates come from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2025 data, projected to 2026, indicating a professional landscape where both agency and in-house environments can affect compensation.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.25 | $153.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.76 | $182.08 |
| Median (P50) | $26.91 | $215.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.96 | $271.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.93 | $343.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mankato
Based on $26.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.91/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mankato, MN can expect to earn approximately $55,983 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,298. With a cost-of-living index of 90.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mankato.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mankato
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,076.60 | $4,665 | $55,983 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $645.96 | $2,799 | $33,590 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $430.64 | $1,866 | $22,393 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Mankato) | $26.91 |
| 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 Mankato, MN earn a median of $55,969 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.99% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.20% below the Minnesota state average of $60,312.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.91/hr = $33,590/year (purchasing power: $36,930).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,983/year (purchasing power: $61,550).
CoL index: 90.955 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Mankato (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Mankato grew 30.3% from $19.99/hr (2019) to $26.04/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.82/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 Mankato 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 Mankato
Looking closely at Mankato’s graphic designer hourly pay reveals significant potential for part-time professionals. A designer working 24 hours a week could expect to bring home approximately $33,530 annually, substantially less than a full-time peer, yet providing flexibility. Contract and per-diem graphic designers in the area might bill rates ranging from $50 to $95 per hour, especially for specialized skills in motion graphics or branding, which can drive rates up to $180. Compensation can differ widely based on the employer type; in-house teams may offer lower rates but come with benefits, while agency positions often provide a broader scope of work at a lower base pay. Those negotiating their hourly rate in Mankato should weigh the pros and cons of job stability against the possibility of higher freelance rates, where exceptional talent can command flat fees from $3,000 to $30,000 based on project demands. Consequently, understanding the nuances of graphic designer hourly rate structures in MN can lead to informed career decisions.
More salary data for Mankato, 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 Mankato. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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