Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Lancaster, OH: $27.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Lancaster, OH runs $27.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,623 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,977 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lancaster, OH, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $27.23, which trails the national median of $31.29. This difference can impact part-time graphic designers, especially those working three days a week. For them, the flexibility of hours may outweigh the lower rate, making it particularly appealing in diverse settings, whether collaborating in agency studios, in-house marketing departments, or freelance arrangements. The hourly range for designers in the area varies significantly, from $17.67 for entry-level positions up to $42.19 for more experienced professionals. Given Lancaster's cost of living index of 90.7, this hourly pay reflects both local market demand and job availability, estimated from broader annual salary data.
About the Lancaster Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.67 | $141.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.36 | $170.92 |
| Median (P50) | $27.23 | $217.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.84 | $278.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.19 | $337.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $27.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.23/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, OH can expect to earn approximately $56,628 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,670. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,089.00 | $4,719 | $56,628 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $653.40 | $2,831 | $33,977 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $435.60 | $1,888 | $22,651 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Lancaster) | $27.23 |
| 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 Lancaster, OH earn a median of $56,623 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.99% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.70% below the Ohio state average of $57,022.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.23/hr = $33,977/year (purchasing power: $37,461).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,628/year (purchasing power: $62,434).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Lancaster grew 20.8% from $21.80/hr (2019) to $26.34/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.14/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
Focusing on the part-time earning potential, a graphic designer working approximately 24 hours a week can expect to take home about $33,930 annually if they maintain the median hourly rate. This is considerably less than their full-time counterparts, necessitating a careful approach to career decisions. Many per-diem and contract graphic designers bill anywhere from $50 to $95 per hour, while established professionals in motion graphics can command rates between $100 and $180. Designers in Lancaster may find relatively stable hourly pay in in-house corporate roles, but those in advertising agencies often face a trade-off between lower pay and the excitement of varied projects. This balance often leads to designers accepting less hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Effective negotiation is essential; being transparent about skills and project value can help hourly workers secure better rates in a competitive market.
More salary data for Lancaster, OH:
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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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