Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Kansas City, MO: $29.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Kansas City, MO runs $29.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,006 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Kansas City's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,202 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Graphic designers in Kansas City, Missouri, can expect a median hourly pay of $29.81 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $31.29. This hourly rate is significant for both full-time and part-time workers, making it accessible for those seeking to work three days a week or on a per-diem basis. In common office environments such as agency creative spaces, in-house marketing departments, or freelance setups, this hourly rate supports various lifestyles and schedules. For entry-level graphic designers, earnings typically start at $20.42 per hour, while experienced professionals may reach as high as $48.34 per hour, offering extensive earning potential across diverse work settings in Kansas City.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.42 | $163.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.22 | $193.74 |
| Median (P50) | $29.81 | $238.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.54 | $300.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.34 | $386.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kansas City
Based on $29.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.81/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kansas City, MO can expect to earn approximately $62,003 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,771. With a cost-of-living index of 92.54 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kansas City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kansas City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,192.36 | $5,167 | $62,003 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.42 | $3,100 | $37,202 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.94 | $2,067 | $24,801 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Kansas City) | $29.81 |
| 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 Kansas City, MO earn a median of $62,006 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.72% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 21.00% above the Missouri state average of $51,244.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.81/hr = $37,202/year (purchasing power: $40,199).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,003/year (purchasing power: $66,999).
CoL index: 92.543 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Kansas City grew 18.1% from $24.42/hr (2019) to $28.84/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.81/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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City
When considering part-time opportunities, a graphic designer working 24 hours a week can earn an annual income that varies significantly from full-time counterparts. Often, part-time and per-diem graphic designers command higher rates, typically billing between $50 and $95 per hour on a contract basis. For specialized roles, such as senior brand designers or motion graphics specialists, rates can soar dramatically, with top talents earning between $75 and $180 per hour depending on project scope and demand. Such variations become evident based on the type of employer, whether advertising agencies or in-house teams. Many designers may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for stable benefits and steady employment. Negotiating terms, considering both hourly wages and the value of benefits, can be crucial for graphic designers looking to thrive in Kansas City’s competitive job market.
More salary data for Kansas City, MO:
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 Kansas City. 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