Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Plattsburgh, NY: $28.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Plattsburgh, NY runs $28.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,470 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Plattsburgh's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,086 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Plattsburgh, NY, can expect an hourly median pay of $28.11 in 2026, which is approximately 10.15% lower than the national median of $31.29. This hourly figure is particularly relevant for both part-time professionals working three days a week and per-diem designers operating in various environments, such as agency layouts with collaborative studio atmospheres, in-house marketing divisions, and flexible freelance setups. With an hourly range spanning from $19.24 at the entry-level to $43.57 for seasoned experts, prospective graphic designers should consider how the local market dynamics influence their pay. The estimates for hourly earnings are derived from the annual salaries projected for the coming year, placing Plattsburgh in a unique position regarding the graphic design industry's overall economic landscape in New York.
About the Plattsburgh 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) | $19.24 | $153.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.71 | $181.67 |
| Median (P50) | $28.11 | $224.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.98 | $287.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.57 | $348.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plattsburgh
Based on $28.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.11/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plattsburgh, NY can expect to earn approximately $58,477 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,737. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plattsburgh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plattsburgh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,124.56 | $4,873 | $58,477 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $674.73 | $2,924 | $35,086 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.82 | $1,949 | $23,391 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Plattsburgh) | $28.11 |
| 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 Plattsburgh, NY earn a median of $58,470 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.15% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.60% below the New York state average of $63,279.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.11/hr = $35,086/year (purchasing power: $30,273).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,477/year (purchasing power: $50,455).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Plattsburgh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Plattsburgh grew 20.8% from $22.51/hr (2019) to $27.20/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.06/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 Plattsburgh 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 Plattsburgh
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time graphic designers in Plattsburgh reveals significant variations. A designer working 24 hours a week can expect an annual take-home much lower than a full-time counterpart, but the flexibility of this schedule allows for diverse project pursuits. Per-diem graphic designers often command premium billing rates that can range from $50 to $95 an hour, especially in agency settings where expertise is highly sought after. For specialized roles such as motion graphics or brand designers, hourly rates can increase substantially, with some commanding $75-$150 an hour or more. This landscape reflects a broader trend where corporate roles tend to offer steadier hourly compensation along with benefits, while agency positions might provide a more variable yet creatively rich experience. For those contemplating salary negotiations in Plattsburgh, it’s advisable to highlight particular skills, such as proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite or niche design expertise, which can significantly affect hourly designer pay.
More salary data for Plattsburgh, 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 Plattsburgh. 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 Plattsburgh 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