Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Frederick, MD: $33.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Frederick, MD runs $33.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,585 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Frederick's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,755 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Frederick, Maryland, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $33.46, which is notably higher than the national median of $31.29. This competitive rate reflects the local demand for skilled professionals in creative environments such as agency settings, in-house marketing teams, and freelance opportunities. For part-time designers working three days a week, translating this hourly rate into a weekly schedule means potential earnings of around $532, assuming a standard 16-hour workweek. Entry-level professionals in the area can expect to earn around $21.83 per hour, while top earners can achieve rates as high as $51.86, making the field appealing for those looking to climb the career ladder or those who are considering freelancing in various work environments, including remote setups utilizing Adobe Creative Suite.
About the Frederick 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) | $21.83 | $174.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.43 | $211.43 |
| Median (P50) | $33.46 | $267.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.82 | $342.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.86 | $414.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Frederick
Based on $33.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.46/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Frederick, MD can expect to earn approximately $69,592 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,149. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Frederick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Frederick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,338.31 | $5,799 | $69,592 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $802.98 | $3,480 | $41,755 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $535.32 | $2,320 | $27,837 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Frederick) | $33.46 |
| 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 Frederick, MD earn a median of $69,585 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.93% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 2.20% below the Maryland state average of $71,150.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.46/hr = $41,755/year (purchasing power: $38,202).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,592/year (purchasing power: $63,671).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Frederick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Frederick grew 20.8% from $26.79/hr (2019) to $32.37/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.58/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 Frederick 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 Frederick
Part-time graphic designers in Frederick, earning $33.46 per hour, would take home about $27,652 annually if they maintain a three-day workweek. This income can vary significantly for those on per-diem contracts, with rates frequently billed between $50 and $95 an hour for typical engagements. Specialized roles like senior brand designers can command even higher rates, ranging from $75 to $150, while motion graphics specialists may reach between $100 and $180 per hour. Freelancing presents a range of project-based fees, where brand identity projects can yield $3,000 to over $30,000, depending on the scope. In Frederick, compensation often aligns with the type of employer, with in-house corporate roles generally offering more stability and benefits, whereas agencies and freelance work may provide higher hourly pay at the cost of fewer benefits. Designers should thoughtfully negotiate their rates by understanding the balance between hourly pay and benefits, especially if they are seeking full-time roles that provide health insurance compared to freelance positions which may lack such advantages.
More salary data for Frederick, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Frederick in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in Frederick?
Are graphic designers in Frederick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in Frederick?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in Frederick?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 Frederick. 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 Frederick 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