Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Fairfield, CT: $33.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Fairfield, CT runs $33.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,467 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Fairfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,678 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfield, CT, the graphic designer hourly pay averages $33.40, which is notably higher than the national median of $31.29. This competitive hourly rate can significantly benefit part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, enabling them to earn substantial income while balancing other commitments. The expected hourly range for graphic designers in this area spans from $22.03 at the entry-level to as high as $51.76 for top earners, making it an attractive profession for both freelancers and contracted designers. Estimations of hourly wages are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the diverse environments in which graphic designers typically operate—ranging from creative agency studios and corporate brand spaces to freelance arrangements and collaborative remote work utilizing platforms like Adobe CC and Figma.
About the Fairfield 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) | $22.03 | $176.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.58 | $212.67 |
| Median (P50) | $33.40 | $267.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.57 | $340.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.76 | $414.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfield
Based on $33.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.40/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfield, CT can expect to earn approximately $69,463 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,075. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,335.82 | $5,789 | $69,463 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $801.49 | $3,473 | $41,678 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $534.33 | $2,315 | $27,785 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Fairfield) | $33.40 |
| 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 Fairfield, CT earn a median of $69,467 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.75% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 1.70% below the Connecticut state average of $70,669.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.40/hr = $41,678/year (purchasing power: $38,626).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,463/year (purchasing power: $64,377).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Fairfield grew 20.8% from $26.74/hr (2019) to $32.31/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.52/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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield
In terms of financial prospects, a part-time graphic designer working 24 hours a week at the hourly median could see a respectable annual take-home of around $41,481, contrasting sharply with full-time counterparts receiving benefits and steady pay. Per diem graphic designer pay in Fairfield varies widely; many freelance professionals and contract designers bill between $50-$95 an hour, while specialists in areas like motion graphics or brand identity command even higher rates, often ranging from $75 to $180. The hourly pay rates also fluctuate depending on the type of employer: in-house positions may offer stability and benefits at a lower pay rate, whereas advertising agencies cater to those aiming for a more dynamic role with a greater pay potential but less job security. Negotiating effectively in this competitive job market, especially for freelance work, can lead to higher hourly wages or beneficial contract terms, making the understanding of local market trends essential for success in the ever-evolving field of graphic design.
More salary data for Fairfield, 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 Fairfield. 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 Fairfield 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