Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Rancho Cordova, CA: $33.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Rancho Cordova, CA runs $33.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,805 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Rancho Cordova's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,278 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Rancho Cordova, California, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $33.08 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $31.29. This competitive wage makes it an enticing option for both part-time professionals and per-diem workers. Specifically, a designer working three days a week at this rate can expect to earn around $25,000 annually, which reflects the increasing demand and diverse workplace options available. Graphic designers in Rancho Cordova can expect to see hourly rates that range from $19.66 for entry-level positions to $51.28 for top earners. These figures derive from broader annual salary data, illustrating a healthy market for graphic design work in this region, which includes settings like agency creative floors, in-house marketing departments, and remote freelance opportunities.
About the Rancho Cordova 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) | $19.66 | $157.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.68 | $213.42 |
| Median (P50) | $33.08 | $264.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.34 | $338.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.28 | $410.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cordova
Based on $33.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.08/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cordova, CA can expect to earn approximately $68,796 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,690. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cordova.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cordova
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,323.01 | $5,733 | $68,796 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $793.80 | $3,440 | $41,278 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $529.20 | $2,293 | $27,519 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Rancho Cordova) | $33.08 |
| 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 Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $68,805 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.73% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.80% below the California state average of $69,360.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.08/hr = $41,278/year (purchasing power: $36,497).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,796/year (purchasing power: $60,828).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Rancho Cordova (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Rancho Cordova grew 20.8% from $26.49/hr (2019) to $32.00/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.19/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 Rancho Cordova 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 Rancho Cordova
For part-time graphic designers who opt for a three-day work schedule, the financial landscape presents a different picture compared to full-time roles. Many in the industry find contract positions particularly lucrative; per-diem graphic designer pay in Rancho Cordova can range from $50 to $95 per hour, with senior brand designers charging between $75 and $150 hourly. Niche specialties, such as motion graphics, can see rates soar to between $100 and $180 per hour. While in-house positions typically offer steadier hours and benefits, they may not match the hourly rates that freelance or agency designers command. Health benefits versus higher pay can create a trade-off in career decisions for many. Practical advice for those venturing into negotiations includes basing requests on local demand and unique skill sets, as these factors ultimately influence a graphic designer's hourly rate in CA.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Rancho Cordova in 2026?
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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 Rancho Cordova. 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 Rancho Cordova 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