Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Tracy, CA: $32.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Tracy, CA runs $32.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,399 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Tracy's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,439 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers working in Tracy, California can expect an attractive median hourly pay of $32.40, which surpasses the national median of $31.29. This rate is particularly appealing for part-time graphic designers seeking flexibility, as working three days a week can yield significant earnings compared to a traditional schedule. In terms of pay structure, designers in Tracy have a range from $20.79 for entry-level positions to $50.22 for top earners, showcasing the spectrum of opportunities available within different environments, from agency spaces to freelance setups. The hourly figures reflect estimates derived from annual salary data, indicating the potential for both stable employment and contract-based work in various creative industries.
About the Tracy 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) | $20.79 | $166.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.33 | $202.67 |
| Median (P50) | $32.40 | $259.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.48 | $331.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.22 | $401.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tracy
Based on $32.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.40/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tracy, CA can expect to earn approximately $67,399 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,884. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tracy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tracy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,296.13 | $5,617 | $67,399 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $777.68 | $3,370 | $40,439 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $518.45 | $2,247 | $26,960 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Tracy) | $32.40 |
| 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 Tracy, CA earn a median of $67,399 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.57% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 2.80% below the California state average of $69,341.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.40/hr = $40,439/year (purchasing power: $35,755).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,399/year (purchasing power: $59,592).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Tracy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Tracy grew 20.8% from $25.95/hr (2019) to $31.35/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.49/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 Tracy 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 Tracy
Earning potential for graphic designers in Tracy varies widely depending on their employment type and experience. A graphic designer working part-time for 24 hours a week can still make a substantial income, though it would fall short of full-time salaries. For those in freelance or per-diem roles, the situation gets even more dynamic. Per diem graphic designer pay in Tracy typically falls between $50 and $95 per hour, while experienced motion graphics specialists can command rates as high as $100 to $180 per hour. Within in-house marketing teams at corporate firms or advertising agencies, rates may be lower due to steady benefits. However, many designers opt for the higher hourly wages offered by freelance gigs at the cost of certain benefits. For hourly workers, negotiating compensation based on specific skills, like expertise in Adobe CC or unique specialization in brand identity, is essential to maximize income within this competitive field.
More salary data for Tracy, 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 Tracy. 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 Tracy 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