Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Omaha, NE: $28.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Omaha, NE runs $28.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,969 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Omaha's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,989 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Omaha, Nebraska, the graphic designer hourly pay is projected to be $28.84 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This pay scale offers a viable option for both part-time workers and per-diem graphic designers, who often engage in various settings such as agency creative spaces, in-house marketing departments, and home offices. For someone working three days a week—approximately 24 hours—the potential annual earnings would reflect a lower overall income compared to full-time positions but provide the opportunity for flexibility and diverse project engagements. The hourly wage varies across different experience levels and roles, with entry-level positions starting around $17.93, while top earners can command up to $39.32, according to official Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.93 | $143.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.48 | $187.87 |
| Median (P50) | $28.84 | $230.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.08 | $264.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.32 | $314.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Omaha
Based on $28.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.84/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Omaha, NE can expect to earn approximately $59,982 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,605. With a cost-of-living index of 91.91 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Omaha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Omaha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,153.50 | $4,998 | $59,982 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $692.10 | $2,999 | $35,989 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.40 | $1,999 | $23,993 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Omaha) | $28.84 |
| 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 Omaha, NE earn a median of $59,969 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.85% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.70% above the Nebraska state average of $59,553.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.84/hr = $35,989/year (purchasing power: $39,156).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,982/year (purchasing power: $65,261).
CoL index: 91.911 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Omaha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Omaha grew 17.9% from $23.66/hr (2019) to $27.90/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.81/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 Omaha 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 Omaha
When evaluating the earning potential for part-time graphic designers in Omaha, a 24-hour workweek could yield a take-home income of approximately $35,000 annually, which highlights the trade-offs between part-time flexibility and full-time stability. On the more lucrative side of the spectrum, per-diem graphic designers and specialists often charge rates ranging from $50 to $180 per hour, significantly elevating their earnings potential but contingent on their expertise and the demand for specific services. The hourly rates also fluctuate depending on the type of employer, with in-house corporate teams generally providing steadier pay but less variety, while advertising agencies and freelance opportunities often present a mixed bag of project challenges and compensation. For those negotiable on their hourly rate, understanding the local market dynamics and the benefits trade-off between higher pay without health coverage and lower rates with benefits is essential. Aiming for positions in higher-paying sectors, whether it’s in motion graphics or brand projects, increases the likelihood of achieving more competitive graphic designer hourly rates in Omaha, NE.
More salary data for Omaha, 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 Omaha. 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