Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Helena, MT: $31.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Helena, MT runs $31.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,830 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Helena's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,498 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Graphic designers in Helena, MT, earn a median hourly rate of $31.65, reflecting a slight increase over the national hourly median of $31.29. This competitive rate provides potential for substantial earnings in part-time or per-diem work, allowing professionals the flexibility to share their skills across different work environments, such as bustling agency creative floors, in-house marketing departments, or remote freelance setups. Entry-level designers can expect to start around $21.90 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command up to $53.04 hourly in specialized roles. These figures are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates, making them a reliable benchmark for those considering graphic design careers in the area.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.90 | $175.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.85 | $206.80 |
| Median (P50) | $31.65 | $253.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.60 | $276.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.04 | $424.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Helena
Based on $31.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.65/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Helena, MT can expect to earn approximately $65,830 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,979. With a cost-of-living index of 95.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Helena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Helena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,265.95 | $5,486 | $65,830 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $759.57 | $3,291 | $39,498 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $506.38 | $2,194 | $26,332 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Helena) | $31.65 |
| 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 Helena, MT earn a median of $65,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.16% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 9.40% above the Montana state average of $60,174.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.65/hr = $39,498/year (purchasing power: $41,283).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,830/year (purchasing power: $68,805).
CoL index: 95.675 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Helena grew 20.8% from $25.34/hr (2019) to $30.62/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.71/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 Helena 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 Helena
For graphic designers working part-time in Helena, a 3-day workweek totaling 24 hours can yield a significant annual income, akin to many full-time positions, while allowing for work-life balance. Per-diem graphic designers often charge higher rates, typically ranging from $50 to $95 per hour, while specialists in areas like motion graphics or brand design can expect premium rates of $75 to $180. The wage variety among different employer types in Helena also plays a significant role; designers in established corporations may enjoy steady employment with benefits, while those at advertising agencies can benefit from a more diverse portfolio of projects yet face higher competition and fluctuating income. Navigating these options requires understanding the trade-offs between hourly wages and the associated benefits, making negotiation skills essential for securing favorable pay.
More salary data for Helena, 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 Helena. 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