Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Summit, NJ: $33.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Summit, NJ runs $33.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,863 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Summit's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,923 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Summit, NJ, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $33.59, which is notably higher than the national median of $31.29. This competitive pay translates well for part-time workers, especially those who might take on a 3-day work week, allowing flexible arrangements that fit into various creative environments such as agency studios, in-house marketing offices, or even remote setups with collaborative tools like Adobe and Figma. The hourly rate for graphic design in this area spans from $23.49 at entry-level positions to as high as $52.06 for experienced professionals at the peak of their careers. This range suggests that Summit's designers can find ample opportunities, whether they prefer the stability of an in-house team or the variability of freelance gigs.
About the Summit Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.49 | $187.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.50 | $220.03 |
| Median (P50) | $33.59 | $268.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.42 | $331.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.06 | $416.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Summit
Based on $33.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.59/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Summit, NJ can expect to earn approximately $69,871 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,310. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Summit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Summit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,343.68 | $5,823 | $69,871 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $806.21 | $3,494 | $41,923 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $537.47 | $2,329 | $27,949 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Summit) | $33.59 |
| 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 Summit, NJ earn a median of $69,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.36% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 6.80% below the New Jersey state average of $74,960.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.59/hr = $41,923/year (purchasing power: $36,391).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,871/year (purchasing power: $60,652).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Summit grew 20.8% from $26.90/hr (2019) to $32.50/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.72/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 Summit 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 Summit
From a practical standpoint, a part-time graphic designer working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could expect an annual income that reflects their hourly rate without the benefits that full-time roles offer. The per diem graphic designer pay in Summit can be particularly lucrative, with billable hours often falling between $50 and $95. Senior roles, particularly in specialized areas like motion graphics or brand design, push hourly rates well beyond the median. Agencies, corporations, and freelance opportunities provide a diverse earning ecosystem in Summit, where corporate positions offer steadier pay and benefits, while agencies may yield broader project variety but typically start lower on the paycheck scale. Understanding the trade-offs between benefits and higher pay is crucial for designers. For successful negotiations, keeping an eye on project scopes and displaying a strong portfolio are vital in this competitive field.
More salary data for Summit, 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 Summit. 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 Summit 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