Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Smyrna, GA: $24.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Smyrna, GA runs $24.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,945 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,165 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Smyrna, Georgia, can expect a median hourly pay of $24.97, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.29. This disparity can influence various work arrangements, particularly for part-time professionals and per-diem workers who may split their time across different roles, such as freelance assignments or positions in marketing departments. With an hourly range extending from $15.88 at the entry-level to $38.71 for high earners, those working three days a week can create flexible schedules, but may ultimately see different benefits than their full-time counterparts. For many working in creative environments like agency studios or corporate offices, this hourly compensation reflects an adjustment from their annual salary considerations and serves as a threshold for lived experiences in design settings.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.88 | $127.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.41 | $155.29 |
| Median (P50) | $24.97 | $199.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.97 | $255.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.71 | $309.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $24.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.97/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, GA can expect to earn approximately $51,941 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,966. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $998.87 | $4,328 | $51,941 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $599.32 | $2,597 | $31,165 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $399.55 | $1,731 | $20,777 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Smyrna) | $24.97 |
| 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 Smyrna, GA earn a median of $51,945 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.18% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.20% below the Georgia state average of $53,662.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.97/hr = $31,165/year (purchasing power: $33,475).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,941/year (purchasing power: $55,791).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Smyrna grew 20.8% from $20.00/hr (2019) to $24.16/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.81/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
Considering the part-time earning potential, a graphic designer working 24 hours a week in Smyrna would take home a notable income, albeit less than what a full-time peer would earn annually. Many per diem graphic designers here bill between $50 and $95 per hour, with specialists in motion graphics and brand identity potentially earning $100 to $180 hourly. Graphic designers in different environments, such as corporate branding teams or advertising agencies, also see variance in their pay rates due to the scope of projects and clientele. Designers working in-house may trade lower hourly rates for stability and benefits, while agency positions can lead to broader project exposure and a higher earning ceiling but often lack health insurance. When negotiating within Smyrna's graphic design market, it is crucial to weigh not just the dollar figures, but also what benefits are on the table, guiding professionals towards informed decisions that align with their career objectives.
More salary data for Smyrna, GA:
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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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