Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Dover, DE: $24.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Dover, DE runs $24.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,153 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Dover's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.5, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,688 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Graphic designers in Dover, Delaware, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $24.59 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $31.29. This discrepancy indicates the local market's particular dynamics and cost of living considerations, as Dover has a cost of living index of 97.507, ranking below the national average. For part-time designers working three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, this hourly pay translates into reliable earnings that can support flexible lifestyles, whether they are engaged in creative agency environments, in-house corporate marketing, or freelancing from home or co-working spaces. Entry-level graphic designers can expect to earn $17.86 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $38.40 per hour, showcasing the wide range of opportunities available in this field based on skill level and experience.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.86 | $142.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.25 | $170.01 |
| Median (P50) | $24.59 | $196.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.55 | $236.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.40 | $307.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dover
Based on $24.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.59/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dover, DE can expect to earn approximately $51,146 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,507. With a cost-of-living index of 97.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $983.57 | $4,262 | $51,146 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $590.14 | $2,557 | $30,688 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $393.43 | $1,705 | $20,458 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Dover) | $24.59 |
| 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 Dover, DE earn a median of $51,153 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.39% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 22.70% below the Delaware state average of $66,174.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.59/hr = $30,688/year (purchasing power: $31,472).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,146/year (purchasing power: $52,454).
CoL index: 97.507 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Dover grew 20.8% from $19.69/hr (2019) to $23.79/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.42/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 Dover 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 Dover
Earning potential among graphic designers in Dover varies greatly depending on employment type. A part-time designer working 24 hours per week could take home around $30,000 annually, compared to full-time counterparts earning closer to $51,153. For those in the more lucrative per-diem or freelance markets, typical billing rates for contract designers can range from $50 to $95 per hour, with senior brand designers and motion graphics specialists commanding even higher rates of $75 to $180 per hour due to their specialized skills. In-house positions at corporate firms and marketing teams often offer steady pay alongside benefits, but it typically comes with a narrower scope of work, while agency life can present broader project opportunities albeit at a lower baseline. Hourly pay is also influenced by the type of graphic design work. Freelancers focusing on brand identity can charge between $3,000 and $30,000 for complete projects. When negotiating hourly rates in Dover, it's strategic to emphasize skill sets and portfolio strengths while considering the trade-off between higher pay without benefits versus steady employment with a comprehensive benefits package.
More salary data for Dover, DE:
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 Dover. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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