Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Stratford, CT: $33.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Stratford, CT runs $33.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,982 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Stratford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,987 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stratford, Connecticut, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $33.64, which surpasses the national median of $31.29. This favorable rate not only reflects the local demand for design talent but is also a strong incentive for part-time and per-diem professionals working in various environments, such as agency studios, corporate offices, or home-based setups. Entry-level positions may start at about $19.93 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates as high as $52.15 per hour. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary figures and provide a structure for understanding potential earnings in a variety of contexts. Whether designing packaging in a production shop or collaborating remotely using tools like Adobe and Figma, Stratford offers a competitive landscape for graphic designers looking for flexible work arrangements.
About the Stratford 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) | $19.93 | $159.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.08 | $216.64 |
| Median (P50) | $33.64 | $269.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.07 | $344.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.15 | $417.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stratford
Based on $33.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.64/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stratford, CT can expect to earn approximately $69,979 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,372. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stratford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stratford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,345.75 | $5,832 | $69,979 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $807.45 | $3,499 | $41,987 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $538.30 | $2,333 | $27,992 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Stratford) | $33.64 |
| 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 Stratford, CT earn a median of $69,982 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.54% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.90% below the Connecticut state average of $70,618.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.64/hr = $41,987/year (purchasing power: $38,913).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,979/year (purchasing power: $64,855).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Stratford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Stratford grew 20.8% from $26.94/hr (2019) to $32.55/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.77/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 Stratford 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 Stratford
Considering part-time work, a graphic designer in Stratford who operates three days a week can expect to earn around $26,085 annually based on 24 hours of work per week, which is significantly less than full-time colleagues but still offers a reasonable income. For those working as per-diem or contract designers, the scene is more lucrative, with billing rates typically ranging from $50 to $95 per hour. More specialized roles, such as senior brand designers and motion graphics experts, can see hourly rates escalate to between $75 and $180. Variability in compensation can also be seen across employer types; in-house corporate roles often provide stability and benefits, while agency work might involve higher variability but can lead to greater creative opportunities. Graphic designers in Stratford should be prepared for negotiation, understanding that accepting a lower hourly rate might grant access to benefits, while freelancers need to price their services competitively within a rapidly changing market.
More salary data for Stratford, 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 Stratford. 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 Stratford 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