Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Johnstown, PA: $24.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Johnstown, PA runs $24.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,026 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Johnstown's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,017 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Graphic designers in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, can expect a median hourly pay of $24.05 in 2026, which is significantly below the national median of $31.29. This discrepancy suggests that those working in Johnstown may have to either supplement their income through additional freelance work or adjust their expectations based on the local market. The hourly pay range for this profession varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at $16.51 and experienced designers earning up to $35.24. This range reflects the diverse settings in which graphic designers operate, including agency studios, in-house marketing departments, and even remote collaboration setups with tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. With 30 graphic designers currently employed in the area, the hourly wage can serve as an essential benchmark for those considering full-time, part-time, or per-diem work in the field.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.51 | $132.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.08 | $152.64 |
| Median (P50) | $24.05 | $192.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.60 | $228.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.24 | $281.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Johnstown
Based on $24.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.05/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Johnstown, PA can expect to earn approximately $50,028 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,862. With a cost-of-living index of 85.93 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Johnstown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Johnstown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $962.07 | $4,169 | $50,028 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $577.24 | $2,501 | $30,017 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.83 | $1,668 | $20,011 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Johnstown) | $24.05 |
| 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 Johnstown, PA earn a median of $50,026 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.13% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 11.90% below the Pennsylvania state average of $56,783.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.05/hr = $30,017/year (purchasing power: $34,932).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,028/year (purchasing power: $58,220).
CoL index: 85.929 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Johnstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Johnstown grew 20.8% from $19.26/hr (2019) to $23.27/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.86/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 Johnstown 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 Johnstown
For part-time graphic designers working three days a week at 24 hours, the annual earnings would equate to approximately $49,350, a fraction compared to what full-time positions can yield. Contract and per-diem graphic designers often find themselves billing between $50 and $95 per hour for agency work, while those specializing in motion graphics or brand identity can demand rates as high as $100 to $180 an hour. However, less experienced designers may take lower-paying gigs on platforms like Fiverr, where competition drives prices down. The variation in hourly pay depends heavily on employer types; in-house designers may receive steadier salaries with benefits, while those at advertising or digital agencies often navigate fluctuating income for creative freedom. For negotiators in Johnstown, understanding the value of health benefits versus higher hourly rates is crucial, as many prefer stability. When discussing rates, being well-versed in market averages and leveraging specialized skills can provide valuable leverage during negotiations.
More salary data for Johnstown, 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 Johnstown. 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, 4-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