Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Bristol, CT: $33.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Bristol, CT runs $33.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,083 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,052 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Bristol, Connecticut, can expect a median hourly rate of $33.70 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $31.29 per hour. This higher pay reflects the cost of living in the area and suggests that local companies recognize the value of skilled design work. For part-time employees working three days a week, the income can still be substantial, allowing for flexibility while earning a decent wage. The hourly pay ranges significantly in Bristol, from entry-level positions starting at approximately $20.03 to experienced designers commanding rates of up to $52.23. The variety of working environments, such as agency studios, in-house marketing departments, freelance spaces, and remote setups, means that graphic designer hourly pay in Bristol can vary widely based on experience, employer type, and project requirements.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.03 | $160.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.17 | $217.39 |
| Median (P50) | $33.70 | $269.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.13 | $345.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.23 | $417.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $33.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.70/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, CT can expect to earn approximately $70,086 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,434. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,347.81 | $5,841 | $70,086 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $808.69 | $3,504 | $42,052 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $539.13 | $2,336 | $28,035 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Bristol) | $33.70 |
| 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 Bristol, CT earn a median of $70,083 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.70% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $70,648.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.70/hr = $42,052/year (purchasing power: $38,973).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,086/year (purchasing power: $64,955).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Bristol grew 20.8% from $26.98/hr (2019) to $32.60/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.83/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
When considering the part-time potential for graphic designers in Bristol, working just 24 hours a week translates into an annual income of around $42,000, which presents a notable difference compared to full-time roles. Many freelance and per-diem graphic designers find themselves charging rates between $50 and $95 per hour, while specialists in areas like motion graphics can demand even more, with hourly charges reaching $100 to $180. In-house designers typically benefit from steadier pay and benefits but may earn less than their agency counterparts who face a fluctuating income tied to project deadlines. While some graphic designers may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for stability, others are willing to trade benefits for higher pay that comes with contract or freelance work. Negotiating hourly rates effectively involves understanding the average pay in Bristol, aligning with industry benchmarks, and being prepared to discuss project specifics to ensure compensation reflects the designer's skill level and scope of work.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Bristol 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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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