Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Bridgeport, CT: $40.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Bridgeport, CT runs $40.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,548 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Bridgeport's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.9, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,733 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bridgeport, graphic designers will find that the median hourly pay reaches $40.65, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.29. This rate provides a solid foundation for professional growth and reflects the demand for graphic design expertise in the area. Part-time designers working three days a week can expect to earn around $48,780 annually if they put in 24 hours each week. In this field, the hourly pay range extends from $24.19 for entry-level positions to approximately $53.16 for those at the top end of the scale, allowing for substantial earning potential across various environments, including agency settings, corporate offices, and freelance arrangements. This data comes from official Bureau of Labor Statistics sources, ensuring its reliability for individuals considering a career or side work in graphic design in Bridgeport.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.19 | $193.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.15 | $241.20 |
| Median (P50) | $40.65 | $325.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.12 | $353.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.16 | $425.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bridgeport
Based on $40.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.65/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bridgeport, CT can expect to earn approximately $84,555 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,782. With a cost-of-living index of 106.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bridgeport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bridgeport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,626.06 | $7,046 | $84,555 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $975.64 | $4,228 | $50,733 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $650.42 | $2,819 | $33,822 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Bridgeport) | $40.65 |
| 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 Bridgeport, CT earn a median of $84,548 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.92% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 19.70% above the Connecticut state average of $70,634.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.65/hr = $50,733/year (purchasing power: $47,474).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,555/year (purchasing power: $79,124).
CoL index: 106.864 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Bridgeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Bridgeport grew 27.9% from $30.76/hr (2019) to $39.33/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.02/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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport
Evaluating part-time earnings, a designer who opts for a 3-day workweek can take home solid pay, but their total annual income will be lower than that of full-time colleagues. Meanwhile, per-diem options provide an even broader range of earnings. Graphic designers who work on a contract basis can achieve hourly rates between $50 and $95, while specialty roles like motion graphics experts can command rates up to $180 per hour. Different sectors within Bridgeport, such as in-house marketing teams, advertising agencies, and packaging firms, often have varied pay scales; for example, corporate jobs may offer lower hourly rates but include benefits, whereas freelance gigs may pay more but lack stability. For those negotiating their worth, it's essential to recognize this trade-off and be prepared to justify requests for higher rates while being aware of the local market competition. Understanding these nuances in graphic designer hourly pay in Bridgeport, CT, helps professionals make informed decisions about their careers and compensation.
More salary data for Bridgeport, CT:
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 Bridgeport. 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