Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Marlborough, MA: $32.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Marlborough, MA runs $32.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,609 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Marlborough's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,568 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Marlborough, Massachusetts, can expect a median hourly wage of $32.51, surpassing the national hourly median of $31.29. This rate provides a viable income for part-time designers working three days a week, offering a comfortable lifestyle while balancing work and personal projects. In various work environments, including agency studios, in-house marketing departments, and freelance settings, the hourly range extends from $20.77 for entry-level positions to $50.38 for top earners. Understanding this pay scale is key for graphic designers pursuing roles across diverse sectors in Marlborough, including tech companies, retail brands, and more, all of which value design proficiency with tools such as Adobe Creative Suite.
About the Marlborough 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) | $20.77 | $166.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.26 | $202.09 |
| Median (P50) | $32.51 | $260.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.08 | $328.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.38 | $403.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Marlborough
Based on $32.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.51/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Marlborough, MA can expect to earn approximately $67,614 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,008. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Marlborough.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Marlborough
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,300.27 | $5,634 | $67,614 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $780.16 | $3,381 | $40,568 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $520.11 | $2,254 | $27,046 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Marlborough) | $32.51 |
| 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 Marlborough, MA earn a median of $67,609 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.89% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $68,499.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.51/hr = $40,568/year (purchasing power: $37,390).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,614/year (purchasing power: $62,317).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Marlborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Marlborough grew 20.8% from $26.03/hr (2019) to $31.45/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.60/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 Marlborough 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 Marlborough
For part-time graphic designers in Marlborough working 24 hours a week, annual earnings can amount to approximately $40,000, significantly less than a full-time designer but still competitive. Per-diem graphic designers may charge between $50 and $95 hourly, while more specialized roles, such as senior brand designers or motion graphics experts, command rates from $75 to $180 per hour, reflecting the complexity of their work and expertise. Employers in Marlborough differ in terms of compensation; in-house corporate teams might offer steadier pay and benefits, while advertising agencies might provide lower base rates but greater project variety. Designers should weigh the trade-offs of accepting lower hourly rates for health insurance and other benefits against the potential for higher pay in freelance or contract positions. Negotiation remains an essential skill, with designers encouraged to advocate for competitive rates that reflect their experience and the value they bring to each project.
More salary data for Marlborough, 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 Marlborough. 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 Marlborough 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