Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Newark, OH: $26.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Newark, OH runs $26.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,264 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Newark's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,558 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Newark, OH, earn a median hourly rate of $26.09, which is significantly lower than the national median of $31.29. This hourly figure suggests that while some design professionals may work part-time—averaging three days a week—and earn a respectable income, many face challenges in a competitive market where rates can vary widely. Ranging from $17.25 at the lower end (P10) to $40.43 for top earners (P90), the earning potential reflects experience and specialization, particularly in environments that value expertise in tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. Graphic designers in various settings, such as cozy home offices, vibrant agency studios, or in-house teams, may find that this hourly rate impacts their decision to pursue freelance gigs or traditional employment, depending on their individual work-life balance needs.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.25 | $138.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.71 | $165.71 |
| Median (P50) | $26.09 | $208.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.34 | $266.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.43 | $323.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newark
Based on $26.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.09/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newark, OH can expect to earn approximately $54,263 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,306. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Newark.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newark
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,043.52 | $4,522 | $54,263 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $626.11 | $2,713 | $32,558 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $417.41 | $1,809 | $21,705 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Newark) | $26.09 |
| 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 Newark, OH earn a median of $54,264 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.61% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 4.80% below the Ohio state average of $57,000.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.09/hr = $32,558/year (purchasing power: $35,896).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,263/year (purchasing power: $59,827).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Newark grew 20.8% from $20.89/hr (2019) to $25.24/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.96/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 Newark 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 Newark
For those considering a part-time role, a graphic designer working 24 hours a week could expect to bring home about $32,000 annually, a clear difference compared to their full-time counterparts. Within the per-diem space, graphic designers can command significantly higher fees; they often bill anywhere from $50 to $95 an hour for project work, with senior specialists and motion design professionals earning even more—ranging from $75 to $180 hourly. Varying hourly rates across different environments illustrate the trade-offs that come with employment types in Newark. In-house positions often provide steadier income, inclusive of benefits, but with narrower creative scopes, while agency roles and freelancing present the allure of creative variety but often come with less stability. Effectively negotiating rates is crucial, especially in an evolving market; knowing the distinct pay scales relevant to different sectors can empower designers to advocate for their worth, ensuring they align their compensation with their skills and experience.
More salary data for Newark, 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 Newark. 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 Newark 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