Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Los Angeles, CA: $35.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Los Angeles, CA runs $35.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,833 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Los Angeles's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.6, 14% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,903 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Los Angeles, graphic designers can expect a median hourly pay of $35.98, significantly surpassing the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This elevated rate reflects the city’s competitive job market and higher cost of living, providing an attractive option for those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities in diverse environments. Whether working in agency settings known for their open studios, in-house marketing departments, or flexible freelance arrangements with platforms like Adobe and Figma, the potential for income varies greatly. Entry-level graphic designers may earn around $22.62 per hour, while those at the top of the profession can command rates of $61.42. This official BLS data indicates that even within a vibrant economic landscape, there remains a wide range of experiences and compensation in graphic design roles.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.62 | $180.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.73 | $213.83 |
| Median (P50) | $35.98 | $287.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.43 | $379.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.42 | $491.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Angeles
Based on $35.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.98/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Angeles, CA can expect to earn approximately $74,838 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,176. With a cost-of-living index of 113.57 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Los Angeles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Angeles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,439.18 | $6,236 | $74,838 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $863.51 | $3,742 | $44,903 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $575.67 | $2,495 | $29,935 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Los Angeles) | $35.98 |
| 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 Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $74,833 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.00% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 7.90% above the California state average of $69,354.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.98/hr = $44,903/year (purchasing power: $39,539).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,838/year (purchasing power: $65,898).
CoL index: 113.566 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Los Angeles grew 21.9% from $28.55/hr (2019) to $34.81/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.19/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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
For those considering part-time work as graphic designers, working three days a week typically involves around 24 hours, translating into an annual income significantly lower than full-time counterparts. However, the allure of flexibility and reduced hours can make this arrangement appealing. Per-diem graphic designers in Los Angeles often bill rates that fluctuate between $50 and $95 per hour, while senior brand designers and specialists in motion graphics can see rates soar up to $180. Major firms, such as leading advertising agencies and large corporate marketing teams, tend to offer more stable salaries with added benefits, enticing some designers to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and job security. Additionally, freelance designers must weigh the benefits of project-based work, which can offer compensation ranging from $3,000 to $30,000 depending on project scope and specialization. When negotiating hourly rates, understanding your worth in the local market and emphasizing the quality of your work can lead to better opportunities in this diverse and dynamic industry.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
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 Los Angeles. 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