Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Lowell, MA: $33.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Lowell, MA runs $33.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,675 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Lowell's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,200 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Lowell, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $33.01 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $31.29. This elevated pay in Lowell reflects the city's growing creative economy, making it an appealing option for part-time and per diem workers. A graphic designer working three days a week could take home a substantial figure, enjoying the flexibility of diverse work environments from agency creative floors to freelance setups. The hourly pay ranges from $21.36 for entry-level positions to $51.17 for experienced designers, making it a viable profession for individuals seeking both stability and freedom in their work arrangements.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.36 | $170.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.01 | $208.04 |
| Median (P50) | $33.01 | $264.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.26 | $338.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.17 | $409.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lowell
Based on $33.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.01/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lowell, MA can expect to earn approximately $68,667 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,616. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lowell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lowell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,320.53 | $5,722 | $68,667 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $792.32 | $3,433 | $41,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $528.21 | $2,289 | $27,467 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Lowell) | $33.01 |
| 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 Lowell, MA earn a median of $68,675 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.53% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $68,470.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.01/hr = $41,200/year (purchasing power: $37,973).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,667/year (purchasing power: $63,288).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Lowell grew 20.8% from $26.44/hr (2019) to $31.94/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.12/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 Lowell 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 Lowell
For those considering part-time positions in the graphic design field, a 24-hour workweek translates to an annual income of roughly $41,000, a comfortable figure compared to full-time salaries. Many per-diem graphic designers might charge between $50 and $95 an hour, with higher rates for senior brand designers and specialized motion graphics roles, which can command $100 to $180 per hour. Additionally, hourly pay rates can vary significantly based on the type of employer, ranging from in-house corporate teams at banks to dynamic advertising agencies and packaging design shops. Furthermore, while some may accept a lower hourly rate for the stability of health benefits, others might prefer contract work for the higher pay, despite the absence of traditional benefits. When negotiating hourly rates in Lowell, it's essential to highlight relevant experience and specialty skills, particularly in sought-after areas like brand identity and motion graphics. This nuanced understanding of the local market can empower graphic designers to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Lowell, MA:
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 Lowell. 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 Lowell 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