Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Scarborough, ME: $29.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Scarborough, ME runs $29.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,840 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Scarborough's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,098 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Scarborough, Maine, can expect a median hourly rate of $29.73 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $31.29. This rate presents an attractive option for individuals seeking part-time roles, allowing those working three days a week to generate a substantial income while balancing other commitments. Freelance and per-diem designers often find themselves amidst diverse work settings, from vibrant agency environments to remote collaborations via Adobe CC and Figma. Entry-level positions start at approximately $19.46, while experienced designers commanding higher compensation can earn up to $45.35 per hour. In the Scarborough market, this hourly pay reflects broader trends, as designers adapt to various employment types, impacting their earning potential throughout the year.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.46 | $155.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.54 | $196.30 |
| Median (P50) | $29.73 | $237.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.85 | $294.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.35 | $362.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scarborough
Based on $29.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.73/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scarborough, ME can expect to earn approximately $61,831 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,672. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scarborough.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scarborough
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,189.05 | $5,153 | $61,831 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $713.43 | $3,092 | $37,098 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $475.62 | $2,061 | $24,732 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Scarborough) | $29.73 |
| 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 Scarborough, ME earn a median of $61,840 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.97% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 4.60% below the Maine state average of $64,822.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.73/hr = $37,098/year (purchasing power: $37,247).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,831/year (purchasing power: $62,079).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Scarborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Scarborough grew 20.8% from $23.80/hr (2019) to $28.76/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.73/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 Scarborough 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 Scarborough
For those considering part-time work, earning potential significantly impacts annual take-home pay. A graphic designer working 24 hours a week would see an estimated annual income of about $37,973, which contrasts with a full-time income significantly boosted by more hours. Many per-diem graphic designers bill at rates of $50-$95 an hour, and specialized roles in motion graphics or brand identity can command $100-$180 hourly. Employers vary across sectors, including corporate marketing teams, advertising agencies, and freelance arrangements, leading to a wide range of hourly earnings. Designers often encounter choices with benefits; those opting for steady corporate roles may gain reliable income and health plans, while freelancers might pursue higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiating effectively in this market can be advantageous; understanding local pay rates and showcasing specialized skills can empower designers to secure better compensation for their work in Scarborough.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
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 Scarborough. 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 Scarborough 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