Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Wellesley, MA: $31.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Wellesley, MA runs $31.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,063 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Wellesley's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,033 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $31.28 for graphic designers in Wellesley, Massachusetts, the rates here are slightly below the national median of $31.29. This figure provides a solid foundation for understanding hourly compensation in various work settings, such as agency environments, in-house marketing departments, freelance roles, and remote collaborations with tools like Adobe and Figma. Entry-level positions start at approximately $20.59 per hour, while top earners can command up to $48.49, reflecting the spectrum of experience and expertise within the field. These hourly rates are estimated from annual salary data, allowing part-time workers—like those working three days a week—to calculate their weekly earnings based on the same hourly framework.
About the Wellesley 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) | $20.59 | $164.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.75 | $198.04 |
| Median (P50) | $31.28 | $250.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.04 | $320.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.49 | $387.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wellesley
Based on $31.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.28/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wellesley, MA can expect to earn approximately $65,056 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,532. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wellesley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wellesley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,251.07 | $5,421 | $65,056 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $750.64 | $3,253 | $39,033 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $500.43 | $2,169 | $26,022 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Wellesley) | $31.28 |
| 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 Wellesley, MA earn a median of $65,063 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.02% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.00% below the Massachusetts state average of $68,487.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.28/hr = $39,033/year (purchasing power: $35,975).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,056/year (purchasing power: $59,959).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Wellesley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Wellesley grew 20.8% from $25.05/hr (2019) to $30.26/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.33/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 Wellesley 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 Wellesley
For part-time designers working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home can be significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Despite the lower weekly hours, per-diem graphic designers often find themselves billing quite lucratively, with rates typically ranging from $50 to $95 per hour, depending on the complexity of projects. More specialized roles, like senior brand designers and motion graphics experts, can earn even higher rates, with hourly fees ranging from $75 to $180. Yet, those working in-house corporate marketing teams generally experience a steadier pay rate but may sacrifice some potential earnings for the stability of health insurance benefits. Freelancing offers varied opportunities, from lower-tier projects on platforms like Fiverr to significant contracts that pay out flat fees of $3,000 to $30,000+, depending on the scope. For those engaged in hourly work in Wellesley, practical negotiation tips include emphasizing specialized skills and leveraging local market knowledge to secure fair compensation.
More salary data for Wellesley, 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 Wellesley. 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 Wellesley 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