Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Manchester, CT: $34.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Manchester, CT runs $34.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,247 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,748 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manchester, Connecticut, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $34.25, which reflects a notable increase compared to the national hourly median of $31.29. This elevated rate suggests a robust employment market for designers in this region, appealing to part-time professionals who might work three days a week. For instance, a designer working part-time could expect to earn around $38,600 annually based on 24 hours per week. The hourly spectrum ranges from approximately $21.14 for entry-level positions to $53.10 for top earners, providing a clear growth path for aspiring designers. Whether they're collaborating in open studio environments of agencies, working in-house at corporate marketing teams, or freelancing from home, this hourly compensation structure positions Manchester’s designers favorably within the state of Connecticut.
About the Manchester 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) | $21.14 | $169.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.25 | $210.03 |
| Median (P50) | $34.25 | $274.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.85 | $350.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.10 | $424.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $34.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.25/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, CT can expect to earn approximately $71,247 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,104. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,370.14 | $5,937 | $71,247 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $822.08 | $3,562 | $42,748 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $548.06 | $2,375 | $28,499 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Manchester) | $34.25 |
| 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 Manchester, CT earn a median of $71,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.48% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.90% above the Connecticut state average of $70,612.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.25/hr = $42,748/year (purchasing power: $39,619).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,247/year (purchasing power: $66,031).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Manchester grew 20.8% from $27.43/hr (2019) to $33.14/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.40/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 Manchester 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 Manchester
Considering part-time earnings in Manchester, a graphic designer working 24 hours weekly can bring in about $38,600 annually, which still allows for a comfortable living compared to full-time salaries. Per diem graphic designer pay in Manchester typically ranges from $50 to $95 per hour, while specialized roles, such as senior brand designers, can command between $75 and $150 per hour. Freelancers focusing on motion graphics often set fees that vary broadly by project scope, sometimes reaching between $3,000 and $30,000 for larger assignments. These various opportunities reflect a range of environments, from in-house brand teams at major corporations to dynamic agency settings and contract work. Designers must weigh the benefits of stable employment with health insurance against the higher hourly rates typical of freelance roles. Practical negotiation skills can enhance one’s hourly rate, particularly given the diverse employer types present in Manchester, from digital agencies to production shops.
More salary data for Manchester, 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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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