Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Dayton, OH: $30.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Dayton, OH runs $30.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,081 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Dayton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,847 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dayton, Ohio, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $30.33, which falls slightly below the national median of $31.29. This figure reflects compensation for those in various environments such as agency creative floors, in-house marketing departments, and freelance home offices. For part-time employees working three days a week, this rate provides a solid foundation, allowing flexibility while maintaining reasonable earnings. The hourly range for graphic designers in Dayton spans from $19.83 for entry-level positions to $50.72 for experienced professionals, demonstrating diverse opportunities in a city that employs about 480 individuals in this creative field. These figures are sourced from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, ensuring a reliable benchmark for those considering a career in design.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.83 | $158.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.82 | $198.53 |
| Median (P50) | $30.33 | $242.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.98 | $319.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.72 | $405.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dayton
Based on $30.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.33/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dayton, OH can expect to earn approximately $63,078 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,391. With a cost-of-living index of 92.69 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dayton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dayton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,213.03 | $5,256 | $63,078 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $727.82 | $3,154 | $37,847 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.21 | $2,103 | $25,231 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Dayton) | $30.33 |
| 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 Dayton, OH earn a median of $63,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.06% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 10.70% above the Ohio state average of $56,983.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.33/hr = $37,847/year (purchasing power: $40,830).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,078/year (purchasing power: $68,049).
CoL index: 92.694 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Dayton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Dayton grew 24.9% from $23.49/hr (2019) to $29.34/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.34/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 Dayton 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 Dayton
Examining the income potential for part-time and per diem graphic designers reveals insights into the financial realities of this profession in Dayton. A graphic designer working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can expect to take home around $37,600 annually, which positions them well compared to full-time peers but still below the national averages. Freelance and contract designers often find they can bill significantly higher, with per diem graphic designer pay in Dayton ranging from $50-$95 an hour for general work, and up to $180 for specialized tasks like motion graphics. Hourly rates can differ based on employer types, with corporate marketing teams typically offering steadier hours but potentially lower pay, while advertising agencies and freelance gigs may provide higher rewards but with less security. Designers navigating these choices often have to weigh the benefits of health insurance and job stability against the allure of higher hourly rates in contract work. For those in the field, negotiating confidently based on industry standards can lead to better compensation and project opportunities in Dayton's evolving design market.
More salary data for Dayton, OH:
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 Dayton. 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