Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Gulfport, MS: $23.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Gulfport, MS runs $23.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,489 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Gulfport's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.0, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,694 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gulfport, Mississippi, the graphic designer hourly pay is projected to be $23.79 in 2026, notably lower than the national median of $31.29. This difference highlights the affordability of living and operating as a graphic designer in this region. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, this translates into a yearly income that may be competitive within local markets but falls behind the national averages. Freelancers and per-diem graphic designers might find themselves working in diverse environments, such as agency creative spaces, in-house marketing departments, or even remote settings using tools like Adobe and Figma. The hourly range for graphic designers in Gulfport varies significantly, from $17.77 for entry-level positions up to $46.53 for experienced professionals, illustrating opportunities for growth within the field.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.77 | $142.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.53 | $172.24 |
| Median (P50) | $23.79 | $190.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.94 | $255.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.53 | $372.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gulfport
Based on $23.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.79/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gulfport, MS can expect to earn approximately $49,490 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,552. With a cost-of-living index of 90.01 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gulfport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gulfport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $951.74 | $4,124 | $49,490 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $571.04 | $2,475 | $29,694 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $380.70 | $1,650 | $19,796 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Gulfport) | $23.79 |
| 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 Gulfport, MS earn a median of $49,489 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.95% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 11.30% below the Mississippi state average of $55,793.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.79/hr = $29,694/year (purchasing power: $32,991).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,490/year (purchasing power: $54,986).
CoL index: 90.006 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+70.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Gulfport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Gulfport grew 59.9% from $14.40/hr (2019) to $23.02/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.59/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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport
Gulfport's specific market dynamics influence graphic designers' earning potential, particularly for those favoring part-time arrangements. A designer working 24 hours a week would earn approximately $29,556 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. The allure of freelance work remains strong, as per-diem or contract graphic designers often charge between $50 and $95 hourly. Specialized areas such as motion graphics can see rates soar to $100-$180, while unique identity projects can net anywhere from $3,000 to $30,000, depending on scope and execution. Employers vary—from in-house corporate marketing teams to bustling advertising agencies—each presenting different compensation structures. Designers may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits or health insurance, while those without them can sometimes negotiate higher rates. Understanding these nuances is crucial for anyone looking to establish or advance their career in Gulfport's graphic design landscape.
More salary data for Gulfport, MS:
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 Gulfport. 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