Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Lackawanna, NY: $28.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Lackawanna, NY runs $28.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,250 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Lackawanna's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,551 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lackawanna, New York, the graphic designer hourly pay reaches a median of $28.49, which falls below the national hourly median of $31.29. This difference highlights the regional wage variations that graphic designers may encounter. For those pursuing part-time opportunities, working three days a week could equate to around 24 hours, which translates into a stable income while allowing for flexibility in their schedules. The hourly rates in the area range from $20.13 for entry-level positions to as high as $44.16 for top earners. Typically, environments for graphic designers include agency creative spaces with open studios, corporate in-house marketing teams, and freelance settings, either from home or co-working spaces. These rates are based on estimates derived from annual salary data, which reflect the demand and variance of graphic design roles in the local job market.
About the Lackawanna 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) | $20.13 | $161.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.47 | $187.78 |
| Median (P50) | $28.49 | $227.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.32 | $290.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.16 | $353.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lackawanna
Based on $28.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.49/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lackawanna, NY can expect to earn approximately $59,251 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,183. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lackawanna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lackawanna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,139.44 | $4,938 | $59,251 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $683.66 | $2,963 | $35,551 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.78 | $1,975 | $23,700 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Lackawanna) | $28.49 |
| 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 Lackawanna, NY earn a median of $59,250 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.95% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 6.40% below the New York state average of $63,301.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.49/hr = $35,551/year (purchasing power: $30,673).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,251/year (purchasing power: $51,122).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lackawanna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Lackawanna grew 20.8% from $22.81/hr (2019) to $27.56/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.44/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 Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna
For part-time graphic designers in Lackawanna, the earning potential can be substantial but varies significantly based on employment type and project scope. A designer working 24 hours weekly could generate substantial annual earnings, yet full-time roles consistently provide greater stability. Per-diem and contract graphic designers often charge between $50 and $95 an hour, showcasing a potential for lucrative assignments, especially in branding and motion graphics. Specialist roles such as senior brand designers can demand as much as $150 per hour, making these niches particularly appealing. In-house positions at corporate marketing teams or advertising agencies often come with trade-offs, balancing lower hourly wages against benefits like health insurance. Therefore, negotiation skills are crucial. Understanding the nuances between agency and in-house pay structures can empower designers to secure better rates while considering stability and benefits, ensuring they make informed career choices in graphic design.
More salary data for Lackawanna, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Lackawanna in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in Lackawanna?
Are graphic designers in Lackawanna paid hourly or salary?
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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 Lackawanna. 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 Lackawanna 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