Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Philadelphia, PA: $31.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Philadelphia, PA runs $31.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,210 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Philadelphia's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,124 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Philadelphia, the projected graphic designer hourly pay for 2026 is set at $31.35, slightly surpassing the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This indicates a favorable position for local designers, particularly those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. Designers in various settings—from agency creative floors bustling with teamwork to freelance home offices—will find that this rate supports a reasonable standard of living in a city where the cost of living index is slightly higher than the national average. The hourly pay scales widely based on experience, with entry-level positions starting around $22.17 and top earners making up to $50.76 an hour. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data illustrates the diverse earning potential for graphic designers in Philadelphia.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.17 | $177.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.30 | $202.42 |
| Median (P50) | $31.35 | $250.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.41 | $323.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.76 | $406.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Philadelphia
Based on $31.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.35/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Philadelphia, PA can expect to earn approximately $65,206 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,619. With a cost-of-living index of 102.55 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Philadelphia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Philadelphia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,253.96 | $5,434 | $65,206 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $752.38 | $3,260 | $39,124 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $501.59 | $2,174 | $26,082 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Philadelphia) | $31.35 |
| 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 Philadelphia, PA earn a median of $65,210 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.21% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 14.80% above the Pennsylvania state average of $56,803.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.35/hr = $39,124/year (purchasing power: $38,149).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,206/year (purchasing power: $63,582).
CoL index: 102.554 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Philadelphia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Philadelphia grew 13.2% from $26.80/hr (2019) to $30.33/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.40/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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia
For those considering part-time work, a graphic designer committed to 24 hours a week can expect a substantial income. Part-time designers, while working three days a week, can earn around $38,448 annually, compared to a full-time designer's income. Additionally, per-diem graphic designer pay in Philadelphia can significantly exceed this average, with rates ranging from $50 to $95 per hour for temporary projects and higher for specialized skills, especially in brand design or motion graphics—such roles commanding up to $180 per hour or more. Employment type also influences hourly rates; in-house positions within corporate marketing, advertising agencies, or digital firms typically offer steadier incomes with varying benefits. Freelancers and contract designers hold the potential for higher rates but often sacrifice job security and benefits. Negotiating higher rates in this competitive field in Philadelphia takes careful consideration of experience and market demands.
More salary data for Philadelphia, PA:
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 Philadelphia. 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