Introduction
Graphic design is a lucrative skill, and talented designers can earn $50 or more per hour by leveraging the right platforms. Whether you specialize in logo design, branding, web design, or illustrations, several websites connect skilled designers with high-paying clients.
In this guide, we’ll explore five top websites where graphic designers can earn $50+ per hour, along with tips on how to maximize earnings on each platform.
1. Toptal
Overview
Toptal is an exclusive freelance platform that connects top-tier designers, developers, and finance experts with elite clients. The platform is highly selective, accepting only the top 3% of applicants.
Why It Pays $50+/Hour?
- Clients on Toptal are usually large corporations, startups, and agencies with substantial budgets.
- Designers set their own rates, with many earning
- 60–
- 60–150/hour depending on expertise.
- Long-term projects and retainer agreements are common.
How to Get Started?
- Apply through Toptal’s rigorous screening process (portfolio review, skill assessments, and interviews).
- Set competitive rates (experienced designers can charge
- 80–
- 80–150/hour).
- Work on high-value projects with minimal competition.
Pros & Cons
✅ High-paying clients
✅ Long-term projects
❌ Strict acceptance process
2. Upwork (Top Tier Freelancers)
Overview
Upwork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces, offering opportunities for designers at all levels. While many jobs are low-paying, top-tier designers can earn
50–
50–200/hour.
Why It Pays $50+/Hour?
- Premium clients (Fortune 500 companies, startups, and agencies) hire experts.
- Specialized skills (e.g., UX/UI, branding, motion graphics) command higher rates.
- Top-rated freelancers get invited to high-budget projects.
How to Earn $50+/Hour on Upwork?
- Optimize your profile (professional portfolio, strong bio, niche specialization).
- Apply for premium jobs (look for clients with budgets of $1,000+).
- Build a strong reputation (5-star reviews lead to more high-paying gigs).
Pros & Cons
✅ Large variety of jobs
✅ Opportunity to scale earnings
❌ High competition for low-budget jobs
3. 99designs (Contests & Direct Clients)
Overview
99designs is a crowdsourcing platform where designers compete in contests or work directly with clients. Top designers can earn
50–
50–150/hour through high-value projects.
Why It Pays $50+/Hour?
- Design contests with prizes ranging from
- 200–
- 200–10,000.
- Direct client work for branding, packaging, and web design.
- Top-level designers (Gold & Platinum tiers) get exclusive projects.
How to Maximize Earnings?
- Win contests consistently to increase visibility.
- Get upgraded to higher tiers for premium projects.
- Offer custom quotes for direct client work ($1,500+ projects).
Pros & Cons
✅ High-reward contests
✅ Direct client opportunities
❌ Unpaid work if you don’t win contests
4. Dribbble Pro (Freelance & Remote Jobs)
Overview
Dribbble is a design community where companies hire freelancers directly. Dribbble Pro members get access to high-paying job listings.
Why It Pays $50+/Hour?
- Tech companies & startups post jobs with
- 5,000–
- 5,000–20,000 budgets.
- Remote & full-time contract roles often pay
- 50–
- 50–120/hour.
- Networking with top designers leads to referrals.
How to Get High-Paying Gigs?
- Upgrade to Dribbble Pro ($15/month for job board access).
- Post high-quality work to attract recruiters.
- Apply for remote design jobs (filter by salary range).
Pros & Cons
✅ High-quality job listings
✅ Great for portfolio exposure
❌ Requires Pro membership for best jobs
5. Fiverr Pro (Premium Freelance Services)
Overview
Fiverr Pro is an elite section of Fiverr where vetted designers offer premium services starting at
100–
100–500 per project.
Why It Pays $50+/Hour?
- Clients expect high-end work (branding, animation, UX/UI).
- Gig packages can be priced at
- 500–
- 500–5,000.
- Fewer competitors compared to regular Fiverr.
How to Get Accepted?
- Apply for Fiverr Pro (strict approval process).
- Create high-value gigs (e.g., “Premium Logo Design – $1,000”).
- Leverage upselling (add-ons like source files, multiple revisions).
Pros & Cons
✅ Premium clients
✅ High project values
❌ Approval is competitive
Conclusion
Earning $50+/hour as a graphic designer is achievable by targeting the right platforms. Here’s a quick recap:
| Website | Hourly Rate | Best For |
| Toptal | 60–60–150+ | Elite clients & long-term work |
| Upwork | 50–50–200+ | Freelancers with strong profiles |
| 99designs | 50–50–150+ | Contest wins & direct clients |
| Dribbble Pro | 50–50–120+ | Remote design jobs |
| Fiverr Pro | 50–50–200+ | High-ticket gigs |
By specializing in a niche, building a strong portfolio, and leveraging premium platforms, you can consistently earn $50+/hour as a graphic designer.
Next Steps
- Pick 1-2 platforms to focus on.
- Optimize your profile with a professional portfolio.
- Start applying/bidding on high-value projects.