Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in South Kingstown, RI: $29.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in South Kingstown, RI runs $29.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,081 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against South Kingstown's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,253 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, can expect a median hourly rate of $29.85 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $31.29. This hourly pay structure is important for various employment scenarios, such as part-time positions or per-diem work. A graphic designer working three days a week, for instance, could be looking at approximately $46,000 a year if consistently scheduled. In this creative sector, hourly rates range from $19.47 for entry-level positions to as high as $46.26 for experienced professionals. Many graphic designers find themselves in versatile work environments—this includes agency creative floors with open studios or remote settings where they collaborate via Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. The flexibility of per-diem or freelance arrangements offers opportunities to earn based on demand and project scope, which can significantly influence total earnings.
About the South Kingstown Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.47 | $155.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.59 | $188.69 |
| Median (P50) | $29.85 | $238.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.20 | $305.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.26 | $370.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Kingstown
Based on $29.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.85/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Kingstown, RI can expect to earn approximately $62,089 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,820. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Kingstown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Kingstown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,194.01 | $5,174 | $62,089 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $716.41 | $3,104 | $37,253 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.61 | $2,070 | $24,836 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (South Kingstown) | $29.85 |
| 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 South Kingstown, RI earn a median of $62,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.60% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $65,417.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.85/hr = $37,253/year (purchasing power: $37,068).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,089/year (purchasing power: $61,780).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in South Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in South Kingstown grew 20.8% from $23.90/hr (2019) to $28.88/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.85/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 South Kingstown 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 South Kingstown
In the context of per-diem graphic designer pay in South Kingstown, professionals engaged in freelance or contract work tend to command higher hourly rates. While standard roles might bring in $29.85, freelance graphic designers may bill anywhere from $50 to $95 an hour, while senior brand designers can range from $75 to $150 per hour based on project complexity. Notably, motion graphics specialists can charge between $100 and $180 per hour. When opting for in-house positions at corporate marketing teams, designers often benefit from steadier income and health insurance, but at potentially lower rates compared to their agency counterparts. Thus, some designers may accept reduced hourly wages for security and benefits. For effective negotiations, graphic designers should consider the value of their portfolio and experience, strategically positioning themselves within the market to maximize their earning potential in both agency and freelance roles.
More salary data for South Kingstown, RI:
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 South Kingstown. 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 South Kingstown 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