Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Bozeman, MT: $28.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Bozeman, MT runs $28.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,156 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Bozeman's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,092 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bozeman, Montana, graphic designers can expect a median hourly rate of $28.92, which sits below the national median of $31.29. This discrepancy highlights the regional variations in pay within the industry. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate can yield a reliable income while balancing other responsibilities. The hourly range for graphic designers in Bozeman stretches from $20.19 at the entry level to about $48.92 for seasoned professionals, according to official data based on 2025 BLS OEWS estimates, projected to 2026. This data creates a framework for understanding the financial landscape for graphic designers in various settings, including agency environments with open studios, remote work incorporating tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma, in-house marketing teams, or freelance gigs.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.19 | $161.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.05 | $192.41 |
| Median (P50) | $28.92 | $231.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.47 | $275.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.92 | $391.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bozeman
Based on $28.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.92/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bozeman, MT can expect to earn approximately $60,154 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,704. With a cost-of-living index of 102.51 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bozeman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bozeman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,156.81 | $5,013 | $60,154 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $694.08 | $3,008 | $36,092 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $462.72 | $2,005 | $24,062 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Bozeman) | $28.92 |
| 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 Bozeman, MT earn a median of $60,156 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.56% lower than the national median of $65,075.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.92/hr = $36,092/year (purchasing power: $35,209).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,154/year (purchasing power: $58,681).
CoL index: 102.51 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Bozeman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Bozeman grew 20.8% from $23.16/hr (2019) to $27.98/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.89/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 Bozeman 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 Bozeman
When analyzing earning potential, part-time graphic designers working 24 hours a week would bring home $36,140 annually, a significant difference compared to their full-time counterparts. On the other hand, per diem graphic designer pay in Bozeman can vary widely, with contract professionals often billing anywhere from $50 to $95 an hour, while high-demand specialties like motion graphics may command rates between $100 and $180. Hourly wages differ based on employment types: in-house positions within corporate marketing departments often offer steadier pay but less creative freedom compared to advertising and brand agencies, which may present more varied opportunities but can come with tighter budgets. When considering the overall benefits package, some graphic designers may prefer lower hourly rates that include health insurance rather than higher rates without benefits. To negotiate effectively in Bozeman, designers should research local compensation benchmarks and emphasize the value of their specialized skills, particularly when pitching to potential clients or employers.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
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 Bozeman. 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, 2-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