Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Middletown, DE: $29.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Middletown, DE runs $29.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,148 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,686 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middletown, Delaware, the graphic designer hourly pay sits at a median of $29.40, which is lower than the national median of $31.29. This figure represents a viable opportunity for part-time workers and per-diem graphic designers, who often operate in environment settings such as agency studios, corporate marketing offices, or remote freelance spaces. With an hourly range extending from $19.22 for entry-level positions to $45.57 for top-tier professionals, the local market presents a diverse spectrum for both aspiring and seasoned designers. These hourly pay estimates are derived from annual salary data, reinforcing the relationship between hourly earnings and the overall financial landscape for graphic designers in this region.
About the Middletown Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.22 | $153.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.10 | $184.81 |
| Median (P50) | $29.40 | $235.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.04 | $296.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.57 | $364.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $29.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.40/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, DE can expect to earn approximately $61,143 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,275. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,175.82 | $5,095 | $61,143 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $705.49 | $3,057 | $36,686 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.33 | $2,038 | $24,457 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Middletown) | $29.40 |
| 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 Middletown, DE earn a median of $61,148 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.03% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.60% below the Delaware state average of $66,177.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.40/hr = $36,686/year (purchasing power: $36,072).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,143/year (purchasing power: $60,121).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Middletown grew 20.8% from $23.54/hr (2019) to $28.44/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.38/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
Part-time graphic designers working three days a week can expect to earn around $45,312 annually, a significant difference in take-home pay compared to their full-time counterparts. Many freelance or per-diem graphic designers command rates between $50 and $95 per hour, with specialized roles such as motion graphics artists and senior brand designers experiencing even higher earnings potential. In Middletown, wages vary depending on the employer, with in-house teams typically offering steadier, more secure compensation, while advertising agencies may present opportunities for higher pay on project-based contracts. Thus, some designers might choose lower hourly wages for the security of benefits. Negotiating an hourly rate can be beneficial, especially in environments where project budgets can flex; understanding the local market and the value of one's specific skills can enhance earning potential across varying roles in the graphic design field.
More salary data for Middletown, 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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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