Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Dundalk, MD: $33.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Dundalk, MD runs $33.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,700 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Dundalk's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,226 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dundalk, Maryland, graphic designers can expect an hourly median pay of $33.03, which exceeds the national hourly median of $31.29. This favorable rate demonstrates the competitive compensation available for professionals in this field, whether they work part-time or on a per-diem basis. A designer working three days a week typically logs about 24 hours, translating to a solid income despite a reduced schedule. The hourly pay for graphic designers ranges considerably, from $20.89 for entry-level roles to as much as $51.19 for those attaining positions at the top of their field. This variety in pay exists due to different work environments such as design agencies, in-house marketing departments, and remote freelance opportunities, suggesting a dynamic job scope for those based in Dundalk.
About the Dundalk Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.89 | $167.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.59 | $204.74 |
| Median (P50) | $33.03 | $264.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.27 | $338.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.19 | $409.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dundalk
Based on $33.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.03/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dundalk, MD can expect to earn approximately $68,710 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,641. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dundalk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dundalk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,321.35 | $5,726 | $68,710 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $792.81 | $3,436 | $41,226 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $528.54 | $2,290 | $27,484 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Dundalk) | $33.03 |
| 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 Dundalk, MD earn a median of $68,700 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $71,118.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.03/hr = $41,226/year (purchasing power: $37,718).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,710/year (purchasing power: $62,864).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Dundalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Dundalk grew 20.8% from $26.45/hr (2019) to $31.96/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.14/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 Dundalk 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 Dundalk
For graphic designers seeking part-time roles, the earning potential can noticeably differ compared to full-time positions. A part-time designer might take home approximately $41,306 annually, which allows for a flexible work-life balance. Per-diem or contract opportunities in the region can present lucrative pay, with hourly rates ranging from $50 to $95, and experienced brand or motion graphics designers potentially earning between $75 to $180 an hour. Local employers, including corporate marketing teams and advertising agencies, often calibrate their offerings based on the expected benefits and job security associated with in-house roles versus freelance work. Some graphic designers may accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, while others prioritize higher pay with less stability. For those navigating negotiations, it can be valuable to assess the overall compensation package and be prepared to discuss specific skills or specializations that can justify higher rates.
More salary data for Dundalk, MD:
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 Dundalk. 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 Dundalk 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