Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in North Platte, NE: $26.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in North Platte, NE runs $26.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,369 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against North Platte's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,216 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Platte, Nebraska, the graphic designer hourly pay stands at $26.62, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.29. This hourly wage reflects the local market dynamics, where designers often engage in diverse settings including agency environments, in-house teams, and freelance operations. For part-time designers working a typical schedule of three days a week, the pay translates to both financial flexibility and the ability to pursue multiple projects simultaneously. With an hourly range from $18.41 for entry-level positions to $41.26 for experienced professionals, graphic designers in North Platte have varying earning potentials based on experience and specialization. Factors such as whether one operates within a corporate office, an agency, or freelance will influence how these rates are realized.
About the North Platte Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.41 | $147.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.73 | $173.81 |
| Median (P50) | $26.62 | $212.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.74 | $269.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.26 | $330.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Platte
Based on $26.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.62/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Platte, NE can expect to earn approximately $55,360 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,938. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Platte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Platte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,064.61 | $4,613 | $55,360 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $638.76 | $2,768 | $33,216 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $425.84 | $1,845 | $22,144 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (North Platte) | $26.62 |
| 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 North Platte, NE earn a median of $55,369 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.92% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.00% below the Nebraska state average of $59,536.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.62/hr = $33,216/year (purchasing power: $36,301).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,360/year (purchasing power: $60,502).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in North Platte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in North Platte grew 20.8% from $21.31/hr (2019) to $25.75/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.51/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 North Platte 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 North Platte
Considering part-time roles, a graphic designer in North Platte working three days a week, or 24 hours, takes home about $32,000 annually, significantly less than if they were full-time. Meanwhile, per diem graphic designers in more lucrative environments can vary their rates from $50 to $95 per hour, with specialized roles in motion graphics or brand design commanding even higher fees ranging from $75 to $180 per hour. In-house positions—especially in corporate environments like banks or tech firms—tend to offer steadier hourly rates but may lack the variety of agency work, which can provide a broader array of project experiences. While some may prefer the security of salaried employment with benefits, others might opt for freelance projects, where hourly rates are higher but come without job security. Negotiating hourly rates effectively in North Platte involves understanding market conditions, knowing local competitors, and clearly articulating one’s unique skill set, particularly within the dynamic fields of Adobe-focused design.
More salary data for North Platte, 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 North Platte. 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 North Platte 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