Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Bedford, NH: $31.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Bedford, NH runs $31.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,765 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,459 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bedford, New Hampshire, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $31.62, which surpasses the national hourly median of $31.29. This competitive pay means that part-time designers working three days a week can secure a decent income while balancing personal commitments. With the hourly range stretching from $19.86 for entry-level positions to as much as $49.00 for seasoned professionals, there are viable earning pathways within various work environments, such as agency studios, in-house corporate offices, and freelance settings. Bedford graphic designers are often engaged in collaborative environments using popular tools like Adobe CC and Figma, and these settings can influence their hourly earnings based on project complexity and employer type.
About the Bedford Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.86 | $158.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.31 | $210.44 |
| Median (P50) | $31.62 | $252.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.48 | $323.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.00 | $392.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bedford
Based on $31.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.62/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bedford, NH can expect to earn approximately $65,765 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,941. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,264.71 | $5,480 | $65,765 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $758.83 | $3,288 | $39,459 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $505.89 | $2,192 | $26,306 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Bedford) | $31.62 |
| 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 Bedford, NH earn a median of $65,765 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 5.80% below the New Hampshire state average of $69,814.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.62/hr = $39,459/year (purchasing power: $36,775).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,765/year (purchasing power: $61,291).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Bedford grew 20.8% from $25.32/hr (2019) to $30.59/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.68/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 Bedford 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 Bedford
In terms of practical insights, a graphic designer working part-time for 24 hours a week could potentially take home approximately $39,359 annually, a comfortable figure, although significantly less than full-time counterparts. Per diem or contract graphic designers can tap into a different income stream, billing rates ranging anywhere from $50 to $95 per hour, or more for specialized skills like motion graphics and branding. Particularly in Bedford, where many designers work for both corporate teams and freelance projects, hourly pay might vary significantly. Professionals often face trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits or steadier positions with health coverage, making negotiation skills crucial in this market. For those positioned in the freelance sector, understanding the local demand and aligning their skill set with industry needs will ensure they command competitive rates while efficiently delivering on varied projects.
More salary data for Bedford, NH:
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 Bedford. 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 Bedford 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