Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Olive Branch, MS: $25.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Olive Branch, MS runs $25.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,766 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Olive Branch's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,655 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Olive Branch, MS, can expect a median hourly pay of $25.36, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $31.29. This figure provides a substantial framework for both part-time and freelance graphic designers who may work from various environments, including agency creative spaces, corporate branding offices, or even their own homes. The hourly wage range varies significantly—from entry-level positions starting around $16.53 to established professionals earning up to $39.32 per hour. These rates are derived from projected annual salaries, indicating an opportunity landscape where those just starting out may require flexibility and adaptability to progress in a competitive field.
About the Olive Branch Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.53 | $132.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.95 | $159.59 |
| Median (P50) | $25.36 | $202.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.48 | $259.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.32 | $314.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olive Branch
Based on $25.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.36/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olive Branch, MS can expect to earn approximately $52,758 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,437. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Olive Branch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olive Branch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,014.58 | $4,397 | $52,758 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $608.75 | $2,638 | $31,655 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.83 | $1,759 | $21,103 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Olive Branch) | $25.36 |
| 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 Olive Branch, MS earn a median of $52,766 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.92% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.40% below the Mississippi state average of $55,778.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.36/hr = $31,655/year (purchasing power: $36,937).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,758/year (purchasing power: $61,562).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Olive Branch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Olive Branch grew 20.8% from $20.31/hr (2019) to $24.54/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.22/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 Olive Branch 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 Olive Branch
For part-time graphic designers working three days a week, that translates into a gross annual income of about $31,680, which may limit financial stability compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem or contract designers often enjoy more lucrative billing rates, commonly charging anywhere from $50 to over $180 per hour based on their specialization, such as brand identity or motion graphics. Employers in Olive Branch range from corporate marketing departments to digital agencies and freelance opportunities, each carrying its own financial trade-offs. Some designers opt for lower hourly wages in positions that provide health benefits, while others may pursue freelance work for higher pay but without the security of those benefits. When negotiating pay, it's crucial for local designers to research salary standards specific to Olive Branch and consider showcasing their portfolios adeptly, as a strong portfolio can significantly influence potential hourly pay rates.
More salary data for Olive Branch, MS:
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 Olive Branch. 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 Olive Branch 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