Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $28.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Lincoln, NE runs $28.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,409 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,047 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lincoln, Nebraska, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $28.08, which falls below the national median of $31.29. This typical rate is significant for part-time workers, such as those engaged three days a week, allowing them to earn a consistent income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly range for graphic designers in Lincoln varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at $19.64 and established professionals reaching up to $40.55 per hour. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS records projected to 2026, reflects the realities of graphic design roles found in diverse settings like agency environments, in-house marketing departments, freelance home offices, and more. The range showcases not only the earning potential within the city but also offers insights into the competitive nature of the market.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.64 | $157.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.38 | $187.04 |
| Median (P50) | $28.08 | $224.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.58 | $268.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.55 | $324.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln
Based on $28.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.08/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $58,412 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,699. With a cost-of-living index of 91.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lincoln
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,123.32 | $4,868 | $58,412 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $673.99 | $2,921 | $35,047 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.33 | $1,947 | $23,365 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Lincoln) | $28.08 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE earn a median of $58,409 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.24% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.90% below the Nebraska state average of $59,540.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.08/hr = $35,047/year (purchasing power: $38,269).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,412/year (purchasing power: $63,782).
CoL index: 91.581 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Lincoln grew 30.6% from $20.81/hr (2019) to $27.17/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.03/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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
When considering part-time employment, a graphic designer working 24 hours a week in Lincoln could expect to take home approximately $34,044 annually, which represents a significant difference compared to someone working full-time. Furthermore, per-diem and contract positions often allow designers to command higher rates. Many per diem graphic designers in Lincoln bill between $50 to $95 per hour for their expertise, depending on the nature of the work. Senior roles such as brand designers may see rates significantly higher, ranging from $75 to $150 per hour. Hourly rates tend to vary based on the type of employer as well. In-house corporate teams, advertising agencies, and freelance projects all offer different pay structures, often with trade-offs such as stable salaries versus the risk and potential reward of freelance work. For designers in Lincoln, understanding how to negotiate these rates effectively can lead to better financial outcomes, especially regarding the balance between hourly compensation and benefits like health insurance.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
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 Lincoln. 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