Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Morgantown, WV: $20.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Morgantown, WV runs $20.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,819 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Morgantown's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.3, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,089 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Morgantown, West Virginia, graphic designers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $20.10 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $31.29. This rate can have a noticeable impact on those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, especially since many designers in this field operate within environments such as agency creative spaces, in-house marketing offices, and remote setups utilizing platforms like Adobe and Figma. For entry-level positions, hourly earnings start at around $15.07, with experienced professionals potentially reaching up to $28.70. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data illustrates the wide spectrum of pay available in Morgantown, making it essential for aspiring graphic designers to consider their work environment and project type when assessing potential earnings.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.07 | $120.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.80 | $142.39 |
| Median (P50) | $20.10 | $160.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.35 | $194.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.70 | $229.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Morgantown
Based on $20.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.10/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Morgantown, WV can expect to earn approximately $41,815 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,124. With a cost-of-living index of 93.32 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Morgantown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Morgantown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $804.14 | $3,485 | $41,815 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $482.48 | $2,091 | $25,089 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $321.66 | $1,394 | $16,726 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Morgantown) | $20.10 |
| 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 Morgantown, WV earn a median of $41,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.74% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.60% above the West Virginia state average of $40,760.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.10/hr = $25,089/year (purchasing power: $26,884).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,815/year (purchasing power: $44,807).
CoL index: 93.323 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-6.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Morgantown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Morgantown grew -12.3% from $22.19/hr (2019) to $19.45/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.78/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 Morgantown 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 Morgantown
Assessing the financial implications of part-time work, a graphic designer in Morgantown clocking in 24 hours a week could expect to take home about $25,196 annually compared to a full-time equivalent, which emphasizes the importance of freelance and per-diem opportunities. Contract designers often command higher rates; for instance, they may bill $50-$95 per hour for their services, with senior brand designers and motion graphics specialists earning between $75 and $180 per hour for specialized projects. While in-house corporate positions tend to offer steadier income through consistent pay and benefits, agency roles or freelance work can yield higher hourly returns, although they lack the security of a regular paycheck. It's crucial for graphic designers to weigh these options carefully; those accepting lower rates for corporate roles may benefit from health insurance and stability, while freelancers might negotiate higher fees around market trends. Understanding the dynamics of the local market can empower designers to strategically negotiate their pay and maximize their earnings in Morgantown.
More salary data for Morgantown, WV:
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 Morgantown. 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