Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Oneonta, NY: $28.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Oneonta, NY runs $28.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,079 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Oneonta's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,447 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Oneonta, NY, graphic designers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $28.40, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31.29. This figure significantly influences those in part-time roles or working on a per-diem basis, as it translates to approximately $454 for a three-day work week at 24 hours. Whether in agency settings with collaborative spaces or freelancing from home, the hourly spectrum ranges from entry-level pay at $19.81 to top earners who may command as much as $44.02 per hour. Since these hourly rates are estimated from the annual salary data, they reflect the ongoing demand within the creative fields, despite the cost of living being slightly above average in Oneonta at a cost of living index of 115.9.
About the Oneonta 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) | $19.81 | $158.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.31 | $186.46 |
| Median (P50) | $28.40 | $227.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.11 | $288.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.02 | $352.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oneonta
Based on $28.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.40/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oneonta, NY can expect to earn approximately $59,079 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,084. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oneonta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oneonta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,136.13 | $4,923 | $59,079 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $681.68 | $2,954 | $35,447 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $454.45 | $1,969 | $23,632 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Oneonta) | $28.40 |
| 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 Oneonta, NY earn a median of $59,079 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.21% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 6.70% below the New York state average of $63,321.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.40/hr = $35,447/year (purchasing power: $30,584).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,079/year (purchasing power: $50,974).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Oneonta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Oneonta grew 20.8% from $22.74/hr (2019) to $27.48/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.36/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 Oneonta 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 Oneonta
On the financial side, a part-time designer working three days a week would take home approximately $20,464 annually compared to a full-time employee's greater earnings. In the realm of per-diem and agency work, graphic designers often bill between $50 to $95 per hour, while specialists in brand identity and motion graphics can charge even higher, from $75 to $180 hourly. Employment settings in Oneonta, including in-house marketing teams for banks or tech firms and creative agencies, frequently offer different pay scales; those choosing corporate jobs might see a steadier income with benefits, while agency roles could provide broader experience but lower initial pay. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers can include understanding industry standards for hourly pay relative to experience and providing a strong portfolio showcasing unique skills, particularly in specialties known to reach premium rates, like motion graphics design.
More salary data for Oneonta, 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 Oneonta. 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 Oneonta 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