Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Arlington, MA: $32.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Arlington, MA runs $32.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,465 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,478 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Arlington, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $32.43, which slightly surpasses the national median of $31.29. This rate reflects a diverse working environment that includes agency creative floors, in-house marketing departments, remote collaborations, and freelancing. For part-time designers working approximately three days a week, or around 24 hours, this median translates to a solid income, while per-diem graphic designers typically see a range that starts at $20.61 and can go upwards to $50.27, depending on experience and the complexity of projects. The hourly compensation allows entry-level workers to begin their careers with a competitive rate, while top earners in the profession can reach high figures, demonstrating the income potential within this vibrant discipline in Arlington.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.61 | $164.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.13 | $201.01 |
| Median (P50) | $32.43 | $259.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.52 | $332.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.27 | $402.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington
Based on $32.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.43/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington, MA can expect to earn approximately $67,463 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,921. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,297.37 | $5,622 | $67,463 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $778.42 | $3,373 | $40,478 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $518.95 | $2,249 | $26,985 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Arlington) | $32.43 |
| 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 Arlington, MA earn a median of $67,465 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.67% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 1.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $68,493.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.43/hr = $40,478/year (purchasing power: $37,307).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,463/year (purchasing power: $62,178).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Arlington grew 20.8% from $25.97/hr (2019) to $31.38/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.52/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 Arlington 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 Arlington
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a graphic designer working 24 hours weekly would earn about $40,000 annually, creating a viable income stream while allowing for flexibility in their schedule. The per-diem reality shows that many graphic designers who contract with agencies can earn significantly more, billing anywhere from $50 to $95 per hour. Specialized roles, such as motion graphics specialists, can command rates as high as $180 per hour based on project scope, while freelance brand identity jobs might yield flat fees ranging from $3,000 to upwards of $30,000. Hourly rates also depend greatly on the employer type, with in-house teams typically offering steadier hours and benefits, while advertising agencies might entice designers with broader project diversity but lower starting salaries. Understanding these nuances helps designers in Arlington negotiate effectively for their value, balancing hourly pay against benefits like health insurance depending on their career objectives.
More salary data for Arlington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Arlington. 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 Arlington 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