Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Laurel, MD: $32.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Laurel, MD runs $32.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,566 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,543 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laurel, Maryland, the graphic designer hourly pay stands at a median of $32.49, which offers a competitive edge over the national hourly median of $31.29. For those considering part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, the hourly rate translates to a significant earning potential while allowing for a better work-life balance. The hourly rates for graphic designers in Laurel vary significantly, ranging from $21.37 for entry-level positions to as much as $50.35 for highly experienced professionals. These estimates are derived from annual salary projections, indicating the financial promise of this career path. Graphic designers in Laurel typically find opportunities in diverse settings, including agency studios, corporate offices, and remote environments, where tools like Adobe and Figma facilitate flexible collaboration and creativity.
About the Laurel 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) | $21.37 | $171.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.71 | $205.65 |
| Median (P50) | $32.49 | $259.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.58 | $332.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.35 | $402.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $32.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.49/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MD can expect to earn approximately $67,571 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,983. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,299.44 | $5,631 | $67,571 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $779.67 | $3,379 | $40,543 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.78 | $2,252 | $27,028 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Laurel) | $32.49 |
| 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 Laurel, MD earn a median of $67,566 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $71,123.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.49/hr = $40,543/year (purchasing power: $37,093).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,571/year (purchasing power: $61,822).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Laurel grew 20.8% from $26.01/hr (2019) to $31.43/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.58/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
Analyzing the potential earnings reveals that working part-time as a graphic designer for 24 hours a week could yield an annual take-home amount considerably lower than that of full-time counterparts, yet it still provides a viable option for many. Per-diem graphic designers in Laurel often bill between $50 and $95 per hour, while specialized roles like senior brand designers can demand rates upward of $75 to $150 per hour. Those with expertise in motion graphics typically see even higher rates, from $100 to $180 per hour, reflecting the premium associated with specialized knowledge in areas like brand identity. In-house positions generally offer steadier hourly rates with benefits, while agency work can provide a broader range of experiences but often at a lower base pay. For those ready to negotiate, understanding the average rates across different employer types—such as banks, digital agencies, or freelance—can lead to increased earning potential, especially with the right strategies in securing contracts or enhancing skill sets.
More salary data for Laurel, 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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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