Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Allentown, PA: $29.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Allentown, PA runs $29.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,716 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Allentown's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.0, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,034 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Allentown, PA, graphic designers can expect a median hourly pay of $29.67, which comes in slightly below the national median of $31.29. This rate is crucial for those considering part-time opportunities or per-diem arrangements, as it translates to approximately $475 for a typical three-day workweek. In the flexible environments where graphic designers often operate—whether in dynamic agency settings, corporate marketing offices, or as freelance professionals with the ability to work remotely via platforms like Adobe and Figma—there are varied opportunities to maximize hourly earnings. Entry-level designers can earn about $18.75 an hour, while top earners can see an impressive hourly income of up to $43.32. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlight the economic landscape for graphic designer hourly pay in Allentown.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.75 | $150.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.00 | $183.98 |
| Median (P50) | $29.67 | $237.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.26 | $282.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.32 | $346.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Allentown
Based on $29.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.67/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Allentown, PA can expect to earn approximately $61,723 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,610. With a cost-of-living index of 99.97 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Allentown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Allentown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,186.99 | $5,144 | $61,723 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $712.19 | $3,086 | $37,034 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.79 | $2,057 | $24,689 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Allentown) | $29.67 |
| 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 Allentown, PA earn a median of $61,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.16% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 8.60% above the Pennsylvania state average of $56,829.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.67/hr = $37,034/year (purchasing power: $37,046).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,723/year (purchasing power: $61,743).
CoL index: 99.968 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Allentown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Allentown grew 17.9% from $24.35/hr (2019) to $28.71/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.67/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 Allentown 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 Allentown
For a graphic designer working part-time in Allentown, taking home income over the course of a year can be significantly different from that of their full-time peers. A designer working 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $36,358 annually, showcasing the financial viability of part-time roles. Meanwhile, per-diem opportunities in area agencies often present a higher earning potential, with rates ranging from $50 to $95 per hour for contract positions. Specialized skills, particularly in motion graphics or brand design, can elevate earnings even more, with rates exceeding $100 per hour for experienced professionals. Work settings such as in-house teams at local corporations, advertising agencies, and digital firms each influence the hourly rates offered, providing context for why some designers might choose positions with benefits over contracts that pay more but lack health insurance. Negotiating for higher pay means understanding industry standards, knowing your worth based on skills and project scope, and effectively communicating your value to potential employers in Allentown.
More salary data for Allentown, PA:
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 Allentown. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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