Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Danville, VA: $29.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Danville, VA runs $29.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,756 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Danville's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,454 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Danville, Virginia, graphic designers can anticipate a median hourly pay of $29.21 in 2026, which falls short of the national hourly median of $31.29. This hourly wage provides an attractive opportunity for part-time professionals working three days a week, as they could earn approximately $41,000 annually if they complete a standard 24-hour workweek. The hourly range for this profession spans from the lower end at $18.19 for entry-level positions to $45.27 for the top earners, reflecting the varied experience and skill levels within the local market. These rates, derived from annual salary projections, highlight the opportunities available across various settings, including agency environments with open studios, in-house corporate roles, freelance work from home, and more.
About the Danville Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.19 | $145.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.36 | $178.85 |
| Median (P50) | $29.21 | $233.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.20 | $297.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.27 | $362.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Danville
Based on $29.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.21/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Danville, VA can expect to earn approximately $60,756 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,051. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Danville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Danville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,168.38 | $5,063 | $60,756 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $701.03 | $3,038 | $36,454 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $467.35 | $2,025 | $24,302 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Danville) | $29.21 |
| 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 Danville, VA earn a median of $60,756 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.64% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $62,123.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.21/hr = $36,454/year (purchasing power: $35,323).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,756/year (purchasing power: $58,872).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Danville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Danville grew 20.8% from $23.39/hr (2019) to $28.26/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.19/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 Danville 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 Danville
When considering per-diem opportunities, contract graphic designers in Danville often bill higher rates compared to their salaried counterparts. Many can secure pay between $50 and $95 per hour, while senior brand designers and specialized roles can command even steeper rates, ranging from $75 to $180 per hour. Hourly pay can also vary significantly depending on the type of employer; in-house roles at local marketing teams may have steadier wages, yet agencies might offer broader creative experiences—even if they initially pay lower. As graphic designers weigh the benefits of accepting lower hourly rates for job security and health insurance against the chance to earn significantly more on a freelance basis without benefits, practical negotiation becomes vital. Local designers should focus on showcasing their portfolios and determining their value in relation to the specific services they can offer, whether catering to corporate environments or pursuing premium freelance projects.
More salary data for Danville, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Danville in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in Danville?
Are graphic designers in Danville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in Danville?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in Danville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Danville. 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 Danville 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