Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Fitchburg, MA: $32.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Fitchburg, MA runs $32.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,545 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Fitchburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,530 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Fitchburg, Massachusetts offers a median hourly pay of $32.48 for graphic designers, which is notably higher than the national average of $31.29. This hourly rate is beneficial for part-time workers seeking flexible schedules, allowing those employed three days a week to earn a respectable income while balancing personal commitments. Per-diem workers in this field thrive in diverse environments such as collaborative studios, corporate marketing offices, and freelance setups. Hourly compensation ranges from $20.69 at the entry level to $50.34 for top earners, showcasing ample opportunities for growth and specialization, especially in high-demand areas like branding and user experience design. The figures reflect a market that values versatility and expertise, leading many professionals to pursue projects in both in-house and agency settings.
About the Fitchburg 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) | $20.69 | $165.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.20 | $201.59 |
| Median (P50) | $32.48 | $259.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.56 | $332.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.34 | $402.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fitchburg
Based on $32.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.48/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fitchburg, MA can expect to earn approximately $67,549 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,971. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fitchburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fitchburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,299.03 | $5,629 | $67,549 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $779.42 | $3,377 | $40,530 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.61 | $2,252 | $27,020 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Fitchburg) | $32.48 |
| 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 Fitchburg, MA earn a median of $67,545 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.80% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $68,504.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.48/hr = $40,530/year (purchasing power: $37,355).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,549/year (purchasing power: $62,258).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Fitchburg (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 | $26.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Fitchburg grew 20.8% from $26.01/hr (2019) to $31.42/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.57/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 Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg
For part-time graphic designers working 24 hours a week, the earning potential in Fitchburg can be quite lucrative compared to a traditional full-time role. Part-timers can expect to bring home around $40,000 annually, depending on their workload and project choices, while full-time designers may enjoy a steady income stream but face different trade-offs. Per-diem graphic designers often charge between $50 and $95 per hour, with specialists in brand design or motion graphics commanding even more—$75 to $180 per hour—especially for high-stakes projects. Furthermore, the variation in pay across different employer types creates distinct opportunities: designers may find working with established companies offers benefits alongside lower hourly wages, while contracting with agencies might yield higher pay but fewer job security advantages. For those in Fitchburg negotiating their rates, understanding these dynamics can be beneficial; knowing one's worth in a competitive market is essential, especially as firms increasingly seek unique design solutions that meet evolving consumer needs.
More salary data for Fitchburg, 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 Fitchburg. 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 Fitchburg 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