Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Livermore, CA: $32.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Livermore, CA runs $32.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,360 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Livermore's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,020 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Livermore, California, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $32.87, which positions them above the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This competitive pay can significantly impact part-time workers and freelancers, especially those who work in diverse settings like agency creative floors, in-house marketing departments, or remote freelance roles utilizing tools like Adobe CC and Figma. The hourly rate spans from $20.72 for entry-level positions to $50.95 for top earners, reflecting the breadth of opportunities available in this dynamic field. With a localized cost of living index of 113.1, the graphic designer hourly pay in Livermore offers a promising return for those pursuing careers in various sectors, such as branding or motion graphics.
About the Livermore 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) | $20.72 | $165.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.53 | $204.24 |
| Median (P50) | $32.87 | $262.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.07 | $336.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.95 | $407.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Livermore
Based on $32.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.87/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Livermore, CA can expect to earn approximately $68,366 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,442. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Livermore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Livermore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,314.74 | $5,697 | $68,366 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $788.84 | $3,418 | $41,020 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $525.90 | $2,279 | $27,347 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Livermore) | $32.87 |
| 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 Livermore, CA earn a median of $68,360 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.05% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 1.50% below the California state average of $69,401.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.87/hr = $41,020/year (purchasing power: $36,269).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,366/year (purchasing power: $60,448).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Livermore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Livermore grew 20.8% from $26.32/hr (2019) to $31.80/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.97/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 Livermore 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 Livermore
A part-time graphic designer working three days a week for 24 hours will earn about $49,703 annually, showcasing how wage structures vary with reduced hours compared to full-time positions. Alternatively, per-diem graphic designers often command rates ranging from $50 to $95 an hour, while specialized roles like senior brand designers and motion graphics specialists can see rates soar to $150 or more. Various employer types affect hourly pay, with in-house teams in banks and tech corporations typically offering steadier compensation but less variety. In contrast, advertising agencies may provide a lower initial salary while exposing designers to a broader range of projects. Many designers make careful decisions about accepting lower hourly rates for positions that provide health benefits, balancing stability against potential earnings. When negotiating, be prepared to discuss your specific expertise, whether in branding or digital design, to leverage your unique value in the competitive Livermore market.
More salary data for Livermore, 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 Livermore. 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 Livermore 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