Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Montgomery, AL: $24.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Montgomery, AL runs $24.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,995 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Montgomery's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.7, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,991 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Graphic designers in Montgomery, Alabama, earn a median hourly rate of $24.03. This rate is considerably lower than the national median of $31.29, indicating a discrepancy that can impact both entry-level and seasoned professionals in the area. For those seeking part-time opportunities, such as working three days per week, the earning potential can become more nuanced. Designers in various environments—whether working in open studio agency settings, in-house marketing departments, freelance home offices, or production shops—can earn from $17.40 on the lower end to $41.23 on the upper side of the spectrum, as per official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. This wide range attracts both aspiring designers looking for initial experience and highly skilled professionals aiming for premium rates.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.40 | $139.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.18 | $153.47 |
| Median (P50) | $24.03 | $192.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.98 | $255.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.23 | $329.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montgomery
Based on $24.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.03/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montgomery, AL can expect to earn approximately $49,985 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,837. With a cost-of-living index of 89.68 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Montgomery.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montgomery
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $961.25 | $4,165 | $49,985 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $576.75 | $2,499 | $29,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.50 | $1,666 | $19,994 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Montgomery) | $24.03 |
| 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 Montgomery, AL earn a median of $49,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.17% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.10% above the Alabama state average of $48,967.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.03/hr = $29,991/year (purchasing power: $33,441).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,985/year (purchasing power: $55,736).
CoL index: 89.682 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Montgomery (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Montgomery grew 28.2% from $18.14/hr (2019) to $23.25/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.84/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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery
The reality of per diem graphic designer pay in Montgomery reflects a diverse earning potential depending on the work environment. Part-time graphic designers logging 24 hours a week might expect to take home a modest annual income, particularly when compared with full-time counterparts. Freelancers and contractors, who often operate on a per-diem basis, typically bill anywhere from $50 to $180 per hour, with project scopes significantly affecting overall earnings. In-house positions with banks, retailers, or tech companies may offer consistent pay but often provide fewer creative variances compared to agency settings that may come with lower starting pay but wider project diversity. Designers must weigh the benefits of health insurance and job stability against the allure of higher hourly rates that come without benefits in freelance roles. Career growth in this field is often linked to specialization, meaning that those focusing on brand identity or motion graphics can command higher rates within the Montgomery market. Skillful negotiation, especially for hourly roles, can significantly improve outcomes, emphasizing the necessity of knowing one’s worth relative to industry standards.
More salary data for Montgomery, AL:
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 Montgomery. 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