Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Northampton, MA: $32.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Northampton, MA runs $32.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,815 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Northampton's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,091 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northampton, Massachusetts, graphic designers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $32.12, which slightly surpasses the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This figure is particularly relevant for designers working in various settings—whether in agency environments with open studios, corporate marketing departments, or as freelancers in remote workspaces. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to a solid income while balancing other commitments. Entry-level positions in this sector may start at approximately $21.40 per hour, while more seasoned professionals can see rates soar to $49.79 per hour, reflecting their experience and the complexity of projects they handle. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and provide a clear picture of what to expect in the Northampton design market.
About the Northampton 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) | $21.40 | $171.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.71 | $205.65 |
| Median (P50) | $32.12 | $256.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.12 | $328.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.79 | $398.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northampton
Based on $32.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.12/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northampton, MA can expect to earn approximately $66,819 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,549. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Northampton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northampton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,284.97 | $5,568 | $66,819 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $770.98 | $3,341 | $40,091 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $513.99 | $2,227 | $26,727 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Northampton) | $32.12 |
| 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 Northampton, MA earn a median of $66,815 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.67% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 2.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $68,458.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.12/hr = $40,091/year (purchasing power: $36,950).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,819/year (purchasing power: $61,584).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Northampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Northampton grew 20.8% from $25.72/hr (2019) to $31.08/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.20/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 Northampton 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 Northampton
Considering part-time positions, a graphic designer working 24 hours a week would take home around $39,979 annually, markedly less than a full-time designer but still providing valuable industry experience. Per diem graphic designers, frequently contracted through agencies, can charge between $50 and $95 per hour, with senior brand designers commanding even higher rates, sometimes reaching $150 per hour. The hourly rates can fluctuate significantly based on employer type, whether it’s in-house teams for larger corporations or creative agencies known for their dynamic project portfolios. While some designers may accept lower hourly rates to secure benefits, others might prefer the flexibility of higher freelance rates without the safety net of health insurance. When negotiating pay, it’s advisable for designers to emphasize their skill sets, especially in specialties like motion graphics or branding, which justify a premium in this competitive market.
More salary data for Northampton, 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 Northampton. 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 Northampton 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