Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Erie, PA: $27.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Erie, PA runs $27.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,786 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,067 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Graphic designers in Erie, Pennsylvania, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $27.30, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This disparity indicates a unique market for graphic design in the region, where various work environments such as agency studio floors, corporate marketing offices, freelance setups, and remote collaboration via Adobe CC are prevalent. For those working part-time, say three days a week, the flexible schedule allows for a decent income while exploring diverse projects. Entry-level graphic designers typically start at around $18.76 per hour, while the most experienced professionals can command as much as $43.80 per hour. These figures represent solid BLS data for 2026 and highlight the potential earning scope for graphic designers in Erie.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.76 | $150.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.99 | $183.90 |
| Median (P50) | $27.30 | $218.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.46 | $259.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.80 | $350.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $27.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.30/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, PA can expect to earn approximately $56,779 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,757. With a cost-of-living index of 90.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,091.90 | $4,732 | $56,779 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $655.14 | $2,839 | $34,067 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $436.76 | $1,893 | $22,711 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Erie) | $27.30 |
| 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 Erie, PA earn a median of $56,786 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.74% lower than the national median of $65,075.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.30/hr = $34,067/year (purchasing power: $37,457).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,779/year (purchasing power: $62,428).
CoL index: 90.95 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Erie grew 29.3% from $20.42/hr (2019) to $26.41/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.21/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 Erie 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 Erie
Analyzing earning potential for part-time graphic designers reveals that a professional working three days a week (24 hours) would earn approximately $33,024 annually, compared to a full-time worker’s earnings. The freelance and per-diem market offers a range of options; per-diem graphic designers generally bill rates between $50-$95 per hour, and senior roles or specialties like motion graphics and brand identity can see even higher rates. For example, some professionals might charge $100-$180 per hour depending on the project scope. Those working in in-house corporate settings in Erie often have steadier pay and benefits, while agency positions might offer lower base rates for broader project exposure but without benefits. Designers must consider their priorities regarding pay and insurance. When negotiating hourly rates, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of local demand, leveraging expertise in Adobe tools and any specialized skills, such as animation or branding, to advocate for better compensation.
More salary data for Erie, 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 Erie. 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