Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Hempstead, NY: $29.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Hempstead, NY runs $29.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,123 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Hempstead's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,673 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hempstead, New York, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $29.39, which indicates a slight decrease compared to the national median of $31.29. This hourly rate can influence the lifestyle of part-time workers, such as those in flexible freelance arrangements or per-diem roles, allowing them to take on projects that fit their schedules. Working three days a week could yield nearly $45,000 annually, making this a viable option for those who prefer not to commit to full-time hours. The hourly compensation in Hempstead ranges from about $18.44 for entry-level positions to $45.55 for top earners, highlighting the growth potential within the profession. Additionally, many designers work in varied environments, from in-house teams at corporate offices to dynamic agency settings and remote collaborations using platforms like Adobe Creative Cloud.
About the Hempstead Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.44 | $147.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.76 | $182.08 |
| Median (P50) | $29.39 | $235.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.61 | $300.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.55 | $364.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hempstead
Based on $29.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.39/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hempstead, NY can expect to earn approximately $61,121 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,262. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hempstead.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hempstead
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,175.41 | $5,093 | $61,121 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $705.25 | $3,056 | $36,673 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.16 | $2,037 | $24,449 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Hempstead) | $29.39 |
| 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 Hempstead, NY earn a median of $61,123 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.07% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.50% below the New York state average of $63,340.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.39/hr = $36,673/year (purchasing power: $31,642).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,121/year (purchasing power: $52,736).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Hempstead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Hempstead grew 20.8% from $23.53/hr (2019) to $28.43/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.37/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 Hempstead 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 Hempstead
When evaluating the earning dynamics for graphic designers in Hempstead, part-time professionals working 24 hours a week may take home around $40,000 per year based on their hourly rates. In contrast, per-diem or contract graphic designers often charge between $50 and $95 per hour, with specialized positions like senior brand designers and motion graphics specialists commanding even higher rates, sometimes reaching $180 per hour. Positions within different types of employers also contribute to this variance. For example, in-house teams for banks or technology firms may offer steadier pay but with limited project diversity, while advertising agencies often present more creative opportunities, albeit at potentially lower starting rates. Designers may need to negotiate their rates effectively, especially when balancing the potential for higher hourly pay without benefits against the consistent income and health insurance that full-time positions may provide. Such considerations are crucial when determining where to position oneself in the competitive field of graphic design in NY.
More salary data for Hempstead, NY:
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 Hempstead. 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 Hempstead 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