Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $26.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Wilkes-Barre, PA runs $26.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,907 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Wilkes-Barre's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,538 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $26.87, which is noticeably below the national median of $31.29. This discrepancy highlights the local job market's potential challenges. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates to a steady income that might suit professionals looking for flexibility in environments ranging from agency creative floors to freelance home offices. The hourly pay for graphic designers in this area shows a range from $16.92 for entry-level positions to $41.66 for top earners, indicating opportunities for growth based on experience and skill set. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, reflect the dynamic range of settings where graphic designers can showcase their talents, including in-house marketing departments and collaborative remote workspaces using Adobe CC.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.92 | $135.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.79 | $166.29 |
| Median (P50) | $26.87 | $214.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.40 | $275.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.66 | $333.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilkes-Barre
Based on $26.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.87/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilkes-Barre, PA can expect to earn approximately $55,897 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,248. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilkes-Barre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilkes-Barre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,074.94 | $4,658 | $55,897 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $644.97 | $2,795 | $33,538 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $429.98 | $1,863 | $22,359 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Wilkes-Barre) | $26.87 |
| 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $55,907 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.09% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $56,816.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.87/hr = $33,538/year (purchasing power: $34,434).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,897/year (purchasing power: $57,389).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Wilkes-Barre grew 20.8% from $21.52/hr (2019) to $26.00/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.78/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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre
Focusing on the potential for part-time work, a graphic designer in Wilkes-Barre who opts for a three-day workweek can expect an annual income of approximately $33,438—significantly lower than full-time earnings. For those engaged on a per-diem basis, typical billing rates range between $50 and $95 per hour, with highly specialized positions like senior brand designers and motion graphics specialists commanding even greater rates that can exceed $100 per hour. External contracting or freelancing allows for varied pricing structures, especially with brand identity projects valued at $3,000 to $30,000, depending on complexity. In-house roles at larger corporations may provide steadier pay along with benefits, yet agency positions offer broader project experiences albeit often with lower starting hourly rates. Designers must consider these trade-offs carefully when negotiating, as a higher hourly rate may come without the safety net of health benefits, making it crucial to assess their individual financial needs and career goals within the Wilkes-Barre market.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre 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