How much do freelance graphic designers charge?
Every figure below comes from a named, dated, publicly accessible source: no "industry insiders say". The typical working rate is about $38 per hour, and the second table shows what that rate really pays once taxes enter.
What the published sources say
| Source | Year | Figure |
|---|---|---|
| PayScale, Freelance Graphic Designer (234 profiles) | 2026 | Average $38.06/hr; 10th-90th percentile $20.68-85.11/hr |
| BLS OEWS, Graphic Designers | May 2025 | Median hourly wage $30.27 |
Typical rate used below: $38/h. PayScale freelance average ($38.06/hr).
What $38/hour actually pays
| Annual gross revenue | $43,700 |
| Self-employment tax | $6,175 |
| After federal taxes | $34,690 |
| Monthly take-home | $2,891 |
Computed with our tested engines at 25 billable hours per week, 46 working weeks (1,150 hours per year), federal taxes only, single filer, 2025 constants. Your hours and state will move these numbers: run your own in the calculators.
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