Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Dover, NH: $32.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Dover, NH runs $32.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,517 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Dover's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,504 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dover, New Hampshire, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $32.46, surpassing the national median of $31.29. This higher pay reflects the unique market dynamics within the region, allowing for a solid income even for part-time workers. For example, a designer working three days a week could potentially gross over $25,000 annually, an appealing supplementary income alongside freelance projects or other roles. Dover's graphic designers range from entry-level positions earning about $22.29 per hour to seasoned professionals capable of charging up to $50.32 per hour. The hourly rate reflects a variety of work environments, including agency settings, in-house marketing teams, and remote freelancing arrangements, enabling professionals to choose their preferred work style.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.29 | $178.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.38 | $211.02 |
| Median (P50) | $32.46 | $259.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.91 | $327.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.32 | $402.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dover
Based on $32.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.46/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dover, NH can expect to earn approximately $67,506 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,946. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,298.20 | $5,626 | $67,506 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $778.92 | $3,375 | $40,504 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.28 | $2,250 | $27,003 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Dover) | $32.46 |
| 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 Dover, NH earn a median of $67,517 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.75% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 3.30% below the New Hampshire state average of $69,821.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.46/hr = $40,504/year (purchasing power: $37,748).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,506/year (purchasing power: $62,914).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Dover grew 38.1% from $22.73/hr (2019) to $31.40/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.55/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 Dover 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 Dover
Part-time graphic designers in Dover who commit to a three-day work schedule can realistically earn around $24,000 annually, a stark contrast to their full-time counterparts. Moreover, per diem graphic designers often charge between $50 and $95 per hour. More specialized roles, like senior brand designers or motion graphics specialists, may see values fluctuate dramatically, with hourly rates ranging from $75 to $180 based on the complexity of tasks and clients. Agencies typically offer lower initial pay but provide diverse project opportunities, whereas in-house positions often come with comprehensive benefits, encouraging designers to weigh their options carefully. In negotiations, it’s crucial for graphic designers to articulate their value based on their portfolio and industry skills, whether seeking a consistent paycheck or higher rates with fewer benefits. Understanding the local market in Dover can significantly impact their earning strategy.
More salary data for Dover, NH:
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 Dover. 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 Dover 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