Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Folsom, CA: $37.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Folsom, CA runs $37.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,711 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Folsom's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,631 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Folsom, California, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $37.36, substantially higher than the national median of $31.29. This rate presents a favorable opportunity for both part-time designers working three days a week and per-diem professionals. For instance, a graphic designer committed to a part-time schedule could potentially earn a robust income while also balancing personal projects or freelance gigs. The hourly rates in Folsom range from $22.35 for entry-level positions to $57.91 for top earners, reflecting the diverse skill levels and specializations within the field. Estimated from annual salary data, these figures allow for flexibility in workplace settings, whether collaborating in agency environments, contributing to in-house marketing teams, or engaging in freelance endeavors using tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.
About the Folsom 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) | $22.35 | $178.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.10 | $224.83 |
| Median (P50) | $37.36 | $298.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.82 | $382.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.91 | $463.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Folsom
Based on $37.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.36/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Folsom, CA can expect to earn approximately $77,718 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,838. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Folsom.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Folsom
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,494.59 | $6,477 | $77,718 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $896.75 | $3,886 | $46,631 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $597.83 | $2,591 | $31,087 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Folsom) | $37.36 |
| 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 Folsom, CA earn a median of $77,711 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.42% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 12.00% above the California state average of $69,385.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.36/hr = $46,631/year (purchasing power: $41,230).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,718/year (purchasing power: $68,717).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Folsom (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Folsom grew 20.8% from $29.92/hr (2019) to $36.15/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.62/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 Folsom 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 Folsom
Part-time graphic designers in Folsom, working a 3-day week (around 24 hours), could take home substantial earnings annually, especially when contrasted with full-time commitments. A per-diem graphic designer may typically bill anywhere from $50-$95 per hour, while more specialized roles, such as motion graphics artists and senior brand designers, can command rates of $100-$180 per hour. This reflects the varying market dynamics based on the type of employer—corporate marketing teams, advertising agencies, and digital firms each offer different remuneration. Designers employed in-house often enjoy steadier pay and benefits but may face limitations in project scope. Conversely, freelance roles frequently come with a trade-off: higher pay devoid of health insurance, which some may find worth accepting. Effective negotiation is paramount in this market; understanding one’s worth based on portfolio strength and local trends can empower graphic designers in Folsom to secure more favorable per diem graphic designer pay while navigating their career choices.
More salary data for Folsom, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Folsom. 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 Folsom 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