Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Fargo, ND: $27.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Fargo, ND runs $27.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,789 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Fargo's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,673 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fargo, North Dakota, graphic designers can expect a median hourly rate of $27.78, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.29. This pricing structure suggests an environment where part-time work—such as a schedule of three days a week—allows for flexibility while still securing a commendable income. Part-time graphic designers earning this median can bring in around $43,524 annually, which could be attractive for those balancing multiple roles or personal pursuits. The hourly range in Fargo for graphic designers varies widely from entry-level positions starting at $18.95 to seasoned professionals earning up to $38.77. These figures stem from official BLS data, underscoring the competitive nature of the industry locally, particularly in hub environments like in-house marketing departments or collaborative freelance settings utilizing platforms like Adobe and Figma.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.95 | $151.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.43 | $171.41 |
| Median (P50) | $27.78 | $222.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.69 | $253.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.77 | $310.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fargo
Based on $27.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.78/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fargo, ND can expect to earn approximately $57,789 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,340. With a cost-of-living index of 90.87 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fargo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fargo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,111.33 | $4,816 | $57,789 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $666.80 | $2,889 | $34,673 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $444.53 | $1,926 | $23,116 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Fargo) | $27.78 |
| 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 Fargo, ND earn a median of $57,789 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.20% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.50% below the North Dakota state average of $59,885.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.78/hr = $34,673/year (purchasing power: $38,157).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,789/year (purchasing power: $63,595).
CoL index: 90.871 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Fargo grew 33.1% from $20.20/hr (2019) to $26.88/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.72/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 Fargo 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 Fargo
While the median pay provides a robust baseline, the earning potential can vastly differ based on employment type and specialization. For instance, a graphic designer working three days a week at $27.78 an hour will earn considerably less compared to contract or per-diem professionals who may charge between $50 to $95 an hour. Freelance work often affords greater financial rewards for experienced designers with a diverse portfolio, with project fees ranging from $3,000 to over $30,000, depending on complexity and scope. Agencies in Fargo, such as local advertising firms or digital marketing teams, tend to offer competitive hourly rates but can be less stable than corporate positions with benefits. Choosing between these options involves weighing consistent pay and health coverage against the flexibility and higher billing rates available in freelance contracts. For those negotiating hourly terms, clarity on the value offered for specialized skills—like motion graphics or brand identity—can significantly influence pay rates and project agreements.
More salary data for Fargo, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Fargo in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in Fargo?
Are graphic designers in Fargo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in Fargo?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in Fargo?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Dakota
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 Fargo. 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