Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Naugatuck, CT: $32.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Naugatuck, CT runs $32.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,697 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Naugatuck's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,620 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, graphic designers in Naugatuck, CT, earn a median hourly pay of $32.55, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $31.29. This salary level benefits part-time designers who may work three days a week, allowing them to earn an estimated $2,600 monthly based on a typical 24-hour work schedule in dynamic environments like agency creative floors, corporate marketing offices, or freelance studios. Entry-level designers in Naugatuck can expect hourly earnings of around $21.87, while those at the top of their field can command rates up to $50.45. The diverse settings and flexibility inherent in this profession provide various opportunities for earning potential based on individual choices, including freelancing or part-time roles that adapt to lifestyle preferences.
About the Naugatuck 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) | $21.87 | $174.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.37 | $203.00 |
| Median (P50) | $32.55 | $260.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.66 | $333.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.45 | $403.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Naugatuck
Based on $32.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.55/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Naugatuck, CT can expect to earn approximately $67,700 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,058. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Naugatuck.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Naugatuck
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,301.92 | $5,642 | $67,700 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $781.15 | $3,385 | $40,620 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $520.77 | $2,257 | $27,080 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Naugatuck) | $32.55 |
| 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 Naugatuck, CT earn a median of $67,697 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.03% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 4.20% below the Connecticut state average of $70,665.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.55/hr = $40,620/year (purchasing power: $37,646).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,700/year (purchasing power: $62,743).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Naugatuck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Naugatuck grew 20.8% from $26.06/hr (2019) to $31.49/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.64/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 Naugatuck 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 Naugatuck
For part-time designers, taking on a 3-day work week can result in lower overall income than full-time colleagues, but it allows for a balanced lifestyle. Per-diem graphic designer pay in Naugatuck typically falls within a higher range, with contract professionals often billing anywhere from $50 to $95 per hour, depending on the project scope and specialization. In high-demand areas such as motion graphics and brand identity, experienced designers can see rates soar to $100-$180 per hour or negotiate entire project fees that range from $3,000 to over $30,000. Employment sectors influence hourly rates significantly, with corporate marketing teams offering stable salaries and benefits, whereas agencies may present more variable but high-potential earnings. Negotiating tips in this market include emphasizing skill sets pertinent to Adobe Creative Suite and showcasing a strong portfolio. The decision to prioritize benefits over a higher hourly rate is a common consideration, particularly for those weighing the trade-offs in work-life balance in Naugatuck, where the design community continues to thrive.
More salary data for Naugatuck, 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 Naugatuck. 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 Naugatuck 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