Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Burbank, CA: $32.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Burbank, CA runs $32.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,519 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Burbank's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,110 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The graphic designer hourly pay in Burbank, CA, reflects a thriving creative economy, with a median hourly rate of $32.94, surpassing the national median of $31.29. This competitive pay is appealing for part-time or per-diem workers, who can find opportunities in various environments, including agency creative spaces, in-house marketing teams, and remote settings that frequently utilize Adobe CC software. Entry-level designers may earn around $19.46 per hour, while experienced professionals can command rates as high as $51.06. The range allows for flexibility across multiple work arrangements, catering to those who may want diverse project experiences or prefer a steady paycheck in corporate roles.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.46 | $155.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.65 | $197.21 |
| Median (P50) | $32.94 | $263.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.17 | $337.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.06 | $408.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burbank
Based on $32.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.94/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burbank, CA can expect to earn approximately $68,517 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,529. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burbank.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burbank
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,317.63 | $5,710 | $68,517 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $790.58 | $3,426 | $41,110 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $527.05 | $2,284 | $27,407 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Burbank) | $32.94 |
| 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 Burbank, CA earn a median of $68,519 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.29% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 1.20% below the California state average of $69,352.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.94/hr = $41,110/year (purchasing power: $36,349).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,517/year (purchasing power: $60,581).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Burbank grew 20.8% from $26.38/hr (2019) to $31.87/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.05/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 Burbank 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 Burbank
For graphic designers working part-time in Burbank, a three-day workweek totaling 24 hours can yield approximately $41,180 annually, considerably less than a full-time designer, yet still a viable option for those balancing other commitments. Per-diem graphic designer pay in Burbank varies widely; contracting designers often bill between $50 to $95 per hour, while specialized roles such as senior brand designers and motion graphics specialists can attract rates from $75 to $180 per hour. Hourly compensation fluctuates significantly depending on the employer, with corporate marketing teams generally offering steadier pay and benefits compared to agencies that provide broader project scope but lower base rates. Some designers may choose hourly jobs with minimal benefits, trading off for higher pay with freelance opportunities, where negotiating effectively is key—especially amidst a competitive market that includes low-cost platforms. Understanding employer expectations and articulating value are essential strategies for success in the Burbank graphic design scene.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
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 Burbank. 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 Burbank 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