Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Springfield, MA: $31.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Springfield, MA runs $31.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,902 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Springfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.1, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,549 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Springfield, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for a graphic designer is $31.69, which positions it slightly ahead of the national median of $31.29. This rate can significantly benefit those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, as they can effectively optimize their earnings across flexible work environments such as agency studios, in-house marketing departments, and remote setups using tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. The hourly pay range for graphic designers in the area spans from $22.13 for entry-level positions to $47.76 for top earners, indicating that there is substantial room for career advancement and salary growth. This data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), helps illuminate the financial landscape for aspiring and established graphic designers in Springfield.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.13 | $177.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.93 | $207.46 |
| Median (P50) | $31.69 | $253.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.34 | $322.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.76 | $382.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springfield
Based on $31.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.69/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springfield, MA can expect to earn approximately $65,916 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,028. With a cost-of-living index of 96.06 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Springfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,267.61 | $5,493 | $65,916 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $760.56 | $3,296 | $39,549 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.04 | $2,197 | $26,366 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Springfield) | $31.69 |
| 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 Springfield, MA earn a median of $65,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.27% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 3.80% below the Massachusetts state average of $68,506.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.69/hr = $39,549/year (purchasing power: $41,171).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,916/year (purchasing power: $68,618).
CoL index: 96.061 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Springfield grew 18.0% from $25.99/hr (2019) to $30.66/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.75/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 Springfield 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 Springfield
For those considering part-time opportunities at 24 hours a week, annual earnings can differ greatly from full-time counterparts. A graphic designer working three days a week could potentially generate around $39,351 annually based on their hourly wage. Meanwhile, per-diem and contract positions often elevate billing rates substantially, with freelancers frequently charging $50 to $95 per hour, and specialized roles like motion graphics designers commanding even higher rates, ranging from $100 to $180 per hour. Employers in Springfield vary widely—from in-house corporate marketing teams to advertising and digital agencies—which affects hourly compensation. Graphic designers choosing in-house roles may find steady pay and benefits, while agency roles or freelance work may offer creative variety but typically come with inconsistent income. When negotiating, understanding the unique dynamics of Springfield’s creative market can give designers the leverage they need to secure competitive hourly rates while weighing the trade-offs involved in benefits packages.
More salary data for Springfield, 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 Springfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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