Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Pasadena, CA: $33.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Pasadena, CA runs $33.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,910 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,949 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, the typical graphic designer earns a median hourly rate of $33.61, exceeding the national median of $31.29, reflecting Pasadena’s higher cost of living and competitive job market. This rate allows for a variety of work arrangements, such as part-time positions, where those working three days a week might take home around $26,000 annually at this median rate. Many graphic designers find themselves in diverse environments, including agency creative floors, corporate marketing departments, and remote setups that utilize tools like Adobe and Figma. The hourly pay ranges widely: entry-level positions start around $21.04, while experienced professionals can earn upwards of $52.09 per hour, denoting significant income potential based on skills and specialization.
About the Pasadena 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) | $21.04 | $168.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.94 | $207.55 |
| Median (P50) | $33.61 | $268.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.02 | $344.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.09 | $416.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $33.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.61/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, CA can expect to earn approximately $69,914 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,335. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,344.51 | $5,826 | $69,914 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $806.70 | $3,496 | $41,949 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $537.80 | $2,330 | $27,966 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Pasadena) | $33.61 |
| 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 Pasadena, CA earn a median of $69,910 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.43% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.80% above the California state average of $69,355.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.61/hr = $41,949/year (purchasing power: $37,090).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,914/year (purchasing power: $61,816).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Pasadena grew 20.8% from $26.92/hr (2019) to $32.52/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.74/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
For part-time graphic designers working 24 hours a week, annual earnings differ substantially compared to full-time designers. Those specializing in per-diem or contract work often command much higher hourly rates, frequently billing between $50 and $95. Senior roles like brand designers can reach rates up to $150, while motion graphics specialists may command $100 to $180 per hour. Contract and freelance work varies, with brand identity projects bringing in flat fees of $3,000 to $30,000, depending on the project's scope. Rates also fluctuate based on the type of employer; in-house roles tend to offer steadier pay, while agency jobs might present lower base salaries but with more varied projects. Some graphic designers choose lower hourly pay for the benefits of full-time employment, while others prefer the flexibility of freelance work, despite its inherent market volatility. Knowing all this, it’s advisable for Pasadena’s graphic designers to be sharp in negotiations, highlighting their unique skills and experience, especially in a landscape where motion graphics and specialized branding are increasingly sought after.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Pasadena in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in Pasadena?
Are graphic designers in Pasadena paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in Pasadena?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in Pasadena?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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