Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Atlantic City, NJ: $31.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Atlantic City, NJ runs $31.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,975 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Atlantic City's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.9, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,588 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Atlantic City, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $31.72, slightly surpassing the national median of $31.29. This rate is advantageous for those considering part-time work, as a designer working three days a week can expect to earn a decent income while balancing other commitments. The hourly rate offers flexibility and can accommodate various environments, including agency creative spaces, corporate marketing teams, and freelance setups. The hourly range for graphic designers in the area varies significantly, with newcomers earning around $21.45 per hour, and highly experienced professionals or specialists fetching up to $48.15 per hour. This official data from 2025 BLS OEWS projections for 2026 reflects both entry-level and top-tier pay structures, making it a key consideration for aspiring designers in Atlantic City, NJ.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.45 | $171.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.78 | $214.24 |
| Median (P50) | $31.72 | $253.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.50 | $323.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.15 | $385.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlantic City
Based on $31.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.72/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlantic City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $65,980 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,065. With a cost-of-living index of 98.86 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Atlantic City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlantic City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,268.85 | $5,498 | $65,980 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $761.31 | $3,299 | $39,588 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.54 | $2,199 | $26,392 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Atlantic City) | $31.72 |
| 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 Atlantic City, NJ earn a median of $65,975 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.38% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 12.00% below the New Jersey state average of $74,971.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.72/hr = $39,588/year (purchasing power: $40,046).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,980/year (purchasing power: $66,743).
CoL index: 98.857 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Atlantic City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Atlantic City grew 29.7% from $23.66/hr (2019) to $30.69/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.79/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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City
Working as a part-time graphic designer in Atlantic City could yield an annual income of approximately $43,000 for those committed to a 24-hour workweek, compared to the full-time average earnings. Many per-diem graphic designers in the area find lucrative opportunities, charging between $50 to $95 per hour, while senior roles or specialized positions like motion graphics experts can command rates as high as $100 to $180 per hour. Designers working in-house for corporate marketing teams might notice that their pay is steadier, yet potentially lower than their agency counterparts, who may enjoy a broader array of projects despite the inconsistent income. Freelancers face the challenge of a competitive market, with projects ranging from $3,000 to $30,000+ based on the scope of their work. For many, the choice between higher hourly pay without benefits or a steadier position with health insurance boils down to personal priorities. Designers negotiating hourly rates in Atlantic City can find success by emphasizing their unique abilities and leveraging their experience to justify premium rates, especially in a market where specialized skills are increasingly sought after.
More salary data for Atlantic City, NJ:
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 Atlantic City. 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