Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Bellevue, WA: $38.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Bellevue, WA runs $38.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,075 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Bellevue's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,050 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Bellevue, Washington, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $38.50, significantly higher than the national median of $31.29 per hour. This hourly rate reflects the competitive nature of the graphic design market in the area, making it an appealing option for part-time and per-diem workers. For example, those working three days a week can bring home a substantial income while enjoying a balanced work-life arrangement. Entry-level designers can expect to earn around $22.76 per hour, while experienced professionals may command rates nearing $59.67. Such numbers indicate a robust demand for graphic designers across various settings, including agency creative studios, in-house marketing departments, and even freelance collaborations from remote or coworking spaces.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.76 | $182.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.82 | $230.53 |
| Median (P50) | $38.50 | $308.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.28 | $394.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.67 | $477.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellevue
Based on $38.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.50/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellevue, WA can expect to earn approximately $80,083 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,202. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellevue.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellevue
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,540.06 | $6,674 | $80,083 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $924.04 | $4,004 | $48,050 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $616.03 | $2,669 | $32,033 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Bellevue) | $38.50 |
| 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 Bellevue, WA earn a median of $80,075 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.05% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 14.40% above the Washington state average of $69,996.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.50/hr = $48,050/year (purchasing power: $44,739).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,083/year (purchasing power: $74,565).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Bellevue grew 20.8% from $30.83/hr (2019) to $37.25/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.80/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 Bellevue 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 Bellevue
The financial prospects for graphic designers working part-time are promising, with a designer putting in 24 hours a week potentially earning approximately $48,000 annually. On the other hand, per-diem graphic designers in Bellevue often charge $50 to $95 per hour, while specialized roles—like senior brand designers and motion graphics specialists—can see rates climb significantly higher, reaching as much as $150 or even $180 per hour. Companies in sectors such as tech, consumer packaged goods, and advertising agencies often vary their pay scales, typically providing more competitive hourly rates. Some professionals may opt for positions with lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others in the freelance domain prefer higher rates without the safety net of benefits. For those negotiating their hourly rates, understanding the unique market dynamics in Bellevue and advocating for a fair wage based on experience and scope of work can enhance earning potential in this competitive field.
More salary data for Bellevue, WA:
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 Bellevue. 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 Bellevue 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