Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Chicopee, MA: $32.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Chicopee, MA runs $32.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,140 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Chicopee's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,878 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chicopee, Massachusetts, the graphic designer hourly pay reaches a median of $32.75, exceeding the national hourly median of $31.29. This competitive rate offers considerable opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in various settings such as agency creative floors, in-house marketing departments, and freelance environments. With an hourly range stretching from $19.64 for entry-level positions to $50.78 for seasoned professionals, graphic designers can find roles that match their skills in diverse projects, from packaging design to remote collaboration using tools like Adobe and Figma. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, providing a clear lens for those considering a career in design in the Chicopee area.
About the Chicopee 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) | $19.64 | $157.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.58 | $196.63 |
| Median (P50) | $32.75 | $262.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.93 | $335.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.78 | $406.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicopee
Based on $32.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.75/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicopee, MA can expect to earn approximately $68,130 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,306. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicopee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicopee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,310.19 | $5,677 | $68,130 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $786.11 | $3,406 | $40,878 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $524.08 | $2,271 | $27,252 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Chicopee) | $32.75 |
| 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 Chicopee, MA earn a median of $68,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $68,482.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.75/hr = $40,878/year (purchasing power: $37,676).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,130/year (purchasing power: $62,793).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Chicopee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Chicopee grew 20.8% from $26.23/hr (2019) to $31.69/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.86/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 Chicopee 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 Chicopee
For part-time graphic designers working three days a week, this hourly compensation equates to an annual income of approximately $51,000, demonstrating a viable income compared to full-time roles. Per diem graphic designers in Chicopee may charge rates ranging from $50 to $95 per hour, while senior designers can see rates climb to $75-$150 per hour, particularly in agency settings or higher demand niches like motion graphics. Hourly pay varies significantly among employer types—corporate in-house teams often offer more stability but lower rates, while agencies promise broader projects with commensurate risks. Freelancers might encounter commoditized low-end projects but can command upward of $3,000-$30,000 for specialized brand identity projects based on scope. Negotiation tips for hourly workers include understanding one’s worth within the local market and considering the benefits of stable employment against the potential for higher hourly rates available through freelance gigs in this dynamic city.
More salary data for Chicopee, MA:
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 Chicopee. 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 Chicopee 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