Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Huntington, WV: $19.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Huntington, WV runs $19.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,745 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Huntington's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.4, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,444 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Huntington, WV, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $19.59, which falls significantly short of the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This disparity highlights the economic conditions within the local market, which may affect both part-time graphic designers working three days a week as well as per-diem professionals. Graphic designers often find themselves in diverse environments such as agency studios, corporate marketing departments, or even freelancing from home. In Huntington, the hourly pay range extends from $14.95 for entry-level positions to $28.88 for seasoned professionals, reflecting the varied skill levels and experience across the workforce as indicated by the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.95 | $119.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.40 | $139.16 |
| Median (P50) | $19.59 | $156.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.36 | $194.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.88 | $231.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntington
Based on $19.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.59/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntington, WV can expect to earn approximately $40,740 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,504. With a cost-of-living index of 88.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $783.47 | $3,395 | $40,740 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $470.08 | $2,037 | $24,444 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $313.39 | $1,358 | $16,296 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Huntington) | $19.59 |
| 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 Huntington, WV earn a median of $40,745 per year (2026 est.), which is 37.39% lower than the national median of $65,075.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.59/hr = $24,444/year (purchasing power: $27,645).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,740/year (purchasing power: $46,075).
CoL index: 88.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Huntington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Huntington grew 14.2% from $16.60/hr (2019) to $18.95/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.24/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 Huntington 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 Huntington
For part-time graphic designers working a 24-hour week, earnings could total around $24,352 annually, substantially less than the income of full-time counterparts. Per-diem or contract designers in Huntington could command rates ranging from $50 to $95 per hour, but those in premium roles like senior brand designers or motion graphics specialists can bring in much higher fees. Employers across different sectors, including banks and tech firms, typically offer steady hourly rates, though agencies may provide lower base pay but with opportunities for creative exploration. Designers must balance the benefits of working in-house, which typically includes health insurance, against potentially higher freelance rates that lack such benefits. For those negotiating their pay in Huntington, emphasizing specific skills or portfolio projects can help secure competitive hourly rates.
More salary data for Huntington, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Huntington in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in Huntington?
Are graphic designers in Huntington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in Huntington?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in Huntington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in West 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 Huntington. 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