Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Fresno, CA: $28.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Fresno, CA runs $28.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,238 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Fresno's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.2, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,144 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fresno, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $28.96, which is notably below the national hourly median of $31.29. This figure reflects various working scenarios typical for graphic designers, including part-time positions, remote work, and freelance opportunities. For those working three days a week, say 24 hours, the earnings can provide a good foundation, especially within creative environments like agency studios, in-house marketing departments, or even freelancing from home. Entry-level designers start at approximately $19.99 per hour, while experienced practitioners can command rates as high as $48.35 per hour. These rates come from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data and demonstrate a diverse range of earnings for graphic design professionals in Fresno.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.99 | $159.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.93 | $191.42 |
| Median (P50) | $28.96 | $231.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.23 | $305.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.35 | $386.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fresno
Based on $28.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.96/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fresno, CA can expect to earn approximately $60,240 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,754. With a cost-of-living index of 102.16 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fresno.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fresno
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,158.46 | $5,020 | $60,240 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $695.08 | $3,012 | $36,144 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.38 | $2,008 | $24,096 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Fresno) | $28.96 |
| 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 Fresno, CA earn a median of $60,238 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.43% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 13.20% below the California state average of $69,399.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.96/hr = $36,144/year (purchasing power: $35,380).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,240/year (purchasing power: $58,967).
CoL index: 102.158 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Fresno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Fresno grew 31.7% from $21.27/hr (2019) to $28.02/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.93/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 Fresno 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 Fresno
While part-time graphic designers may experience a significant drop in annual income compared to their full-time counterparts, they can still find attractive gig opportunities. For instance, a designer working 24 hours a week could potentially earn about $41,693 annually, which suits those seeking a flexible work-life balance. Per-diem graphic designers often bill significantly higher, ranging from $50 to $95 per hour, with senior specialists and motion graphics experts even reaching rates between $75 and $180 per hour. Pay scales can vary widely; for instance, in-house positions typically offer steadier income and benefits, while advertising agencies might provide more varied work but at lower initial rates. Freelancers can negotiate project fees ranging from $3,000 to $30,000 depending on the project's complexity. When discussing rates, designers must also weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly pay without benefits and lower rates that provide health insurance. It’s advisable for graphic designers in Fresno to stay informed about market trends and be prepared to negotiate based on their skills and specialized expertise in areas like brand identity and motion graphics.
More salary data for Fresno, 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 Fresno. 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