Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Ponce, PR: $14.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Ponce, PR runs $14.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $30,812 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Puerto Rico's regional price level (BEA RPP 75.0, 25% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $18,485 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ponce, Puerto Rico, the graphic designer hourly pay is structured around a median rate of $14.81, significantly lower than the national hourly median of $31.29. This disparity highlights the economic realities for graphic designers in the region, where many may choose part-time or per-diem work to balance their schedules. Typical work settings include agency creative floors, in-house marketing departments, and freelance environments that often involve remote collaboration using tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. The hourly pay varies widely, ranging from $11.40 for entry-level positions to about $26.62 for top earners. This data, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates based on 2025 BLS data, indicates a focused graphic design market in Ponce that hinges on local demand and economic conditions.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.40 | $91.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $13.08 | $104.60 |
| Median (P50) | $14.81 | $118.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.66 | $157.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.62 | $212.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ponce
Based on $14.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $14.81/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ponce, PR can expect to earn approximately $30,808 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $17,774.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ponce
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $592.46 | $2,567 | $30,808 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $355.48 | $1,540 | $18,485 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $236.98 | $1,027 | $12,323 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Ponce) | $14.81 |
| 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 Ponce, PR earn a median of $30,812 per year (2026 est.), which is 52.65% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.50% below the Puerto Rico state average of $32,605.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$14.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$14.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Ponce (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $11.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $11.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $11.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $14.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $14.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $15.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Ponce grew 20.8% from $11.86/hr (2019) to $14.33/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $15.31/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 Ponce 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 Ponce
For those considering a part-time role of three days a week, working 24 hours could yield around $18,856 annually, which is notably less than full-time colleagues. Per-diem graphic designer pay in Ponce can vary immensely; while lower-end billable hours may fetch rates of $50-$95, specialized roles such as motion graphics or brand designers can command fees of $100-$180 hourly, making freelance work lucrative but highly competitive. Differences in hourly rates further emerge from employer types: in-house corporate teams may offer steadier pay and benefits, whereas advertising and design agencies attract talent with broader project opportunities but typically lower starting pay. Designers often face a trade-off, as accepting lower hourly wages might guarantee health insurance and other perks, whereas freelancers negotiate for higher pay without such benefits. For optimal compensation, graphic designers in Ponce should be prepared to demonstrate their portfolio and skills, while staying informed on market rates to effectively negotiate their pay based on experience and specialty.
More salary data for Ponce, PR:
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 Ponce. 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