Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Weirton, WV: $18.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Weirton, WV runs $18.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,611 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Weirton's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,167 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Weirton, West Virginia offers a graphic designer hourly rate of $18.56, significantly lower than the national median of $31.29. This discrepancy suggests that local opportunities may not attract the same financial incentives found in larger markets. For part-time workers, typically employed three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a potential earning of around $24,000 annually, depending on hours worked. Those pursuing freelance opportunities may also find that the range varies considerably; entry-level positions can start at approximately $11.94 while experienced designers earning upwards of $28.78 reveal the upward mobility within the field. Environments such as agency studios, in-house marketing departments, and remote collaborative spaces using tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma play a significant role in shaping both work culture and earning potential.
About the Weirton Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.94 | $95.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.44 | $115.52 |
| Median (P50) | $18.56 | $148.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.88 | $183.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.78 | $230.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Weirton
Based on $18.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.56/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Weirton, WV can expect to earn approximately $38,612 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,276. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Weirton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Weirton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $742.54 | $3,218 | $38,612 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $445.52 | $1,931 | $23,167 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $297.02 | $1,287 | $15,445 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Weirton) | $18.56 |
| 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 Weirton, WV earn a median of $38,611 per year (2026 est.), which is 40.67% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.20% below the West Virginia state average of $40,729.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.56/hr = $23,167/year (purchasing power: $26,783).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,612/year (purchasing power: $44,638).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Weirton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Weirton grew 20.8% from $14.86/hr (2019) to $17.96/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.19/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 Weirton 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 Weirton
Part-time work in graphic design presents unique financial considerations; a 24-hour work week at the local hourly rate results in annual income well below that of a full-time position. In contrast, per diem graphic designer pay in Weirton can see flexible hours lead to earnings that might reach up to $95 per hour for specialized contract work, depending on expertise or project scope. Employers differ in their compensation approaches—with in-house teams often providing lower but steadier pay compared to advertising agencies that may offer a broader range of projects with potentially higher pay rates. Negotiating hourly rates necessitates clarity on whether benefits like health insurance are essential. Some designers opt for lower base pay in exchange for stable benefits. Understanding the local market dynamics and specialty demands will enable workers to better negotiate and identify the best opportunities in Weirton's graphic design field.
More salary data for Weirton, 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 Weirton. 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 Weirton 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