Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Compton, CA: $33.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Compton, CA runs $33.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,712 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Compton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,226 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Compton, California, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $33.03, which surpasses the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This rate highlights the competitive pay landscape in the area, especially for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis within diverse settings like agency environments, corporate offices, or freelance setups. Entry-level designers might earn around $19.52, while top earners can command as much as $51.20 per hour. The flexibility of graphic design work allows for various arrangements, enabling designers to work three days a week or take on freelance projects that utilize Adobe CC and Figma for remote collaboration. As a result, many in the field can achieve relative financial stability, even if they pursue multiple contracts or supplement their income with per diem projects.
About the Compton 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) | $19.52 | $156.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.58 | $212.67 |
| Median (P50) | $33.03 | $264.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.28 | $338.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.20 | $409.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Compton
Based on $33.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.03/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Compton, CA can expect to earn approximately $68,710 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,641. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Compton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Compton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,321.35 | $5,726 | $68,710 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $792.81 | $3,436 | $41,226 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $528.54 | $2,290 | $27,484 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Compton) | $33.03 |
| 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 Compton, CA earn a median of $68,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.59% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 1.00% below the California state average of $69,406.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.03/hr = $41,226/year (purchasing power: $36,451).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,710/year (purchasing power: $60,752).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Compton grew 20.8% from $26.45/hr (2019) to $31.96/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.14/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 Compton 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 Compton
Evaluating part-time opportunities, a designer working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could earn about $41,606 annually, substantially less than a full-time salary. For those seeking per-diem or contract work in Compton, the pay scale can vary significantly based on specialization; per diem graphic designer pay can range from $50 to $95 per hour for average roles, while senior brand designers and motion graphics specialists often command rates between $75 and $180. Companies in various sectors, such as banks and tech firms, typically offer steadier, but sometimes lower hourly rates, whereas agencies could provide higher rates at the cost of stability and benefits. Designers should weigh their priorities—high hourly pay may come without health insurance, while corporate roles often provide benefits with a lower rate. Negotiation is crucial in this dynamic market, and designers should focus on their unique skills and project value when discussing compensation to maximize their earning potential in Compton's evolving design scene.
More salary data for Compton, 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 Compton. 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 Compton 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