Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Bristol, VA: $25.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Bristol, VA runs $25.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,414 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,449 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Virginia, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $25.20, significantly lower than the national median of $31.29. This discrepancy may influence the choices of professionals in the area, particularly those considering part-time work or per-diem positions in various environments such as agency creative studios, in-house marketing departments, or freelance setups. With hourly wages ranging from $16.84 for entry-level designers to $39.06 for top earners, individuals can strategize their workload accordingly. For those working three days a week, the hourly pay translates into a consistent income that supports a balanced lifestyle, making positions like these appealing despite the lower rates compared to national standards. These figures reflect the potential earning opportunities, allowing relevant parties to make informed career choices within Bristol’s design industry.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.84 | $134.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.06 | $160.50 |
| Median (P50) | $25.20 | $201.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.03 | $256.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.06 | $312.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $25.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.20/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, VA can expect to earn approximately $52,414 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,239. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,007.97 | $4,368 | $52,414 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $604.78 | $2,621 | $31,449 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $403.19 | $1,747 | $20,966 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Bristol) | $25.20 |
| 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 Bristol, VA earn a median of $52,414 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.46% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 15.70% below the Virginia state average of $62,175.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.20/hr = $31,449/year (purchasing power: $30,473).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,414/year (purchasing power: $50,789).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Bristol grew 20.8% from $20.18/hr (2019) to $24.38/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.05/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
Part-time graphic designers in Bristol, who commit to working approximately 24 hours a week, can expect substantially lower annual earnings than their full-time counterparts. Considering the average annual income from their hourly pay, this translates to around $31,674, quite distant from what full-time positions might offer. For contractors or per-diem graphic designers, rates can vary significantly; they may bill anywhere from $50 to $95 per hour, bringing enhanced income opportunities. Specialized fields such as motion graphics and brand identity demand higher pay, often exceeding $100 per hour, which reflects the niche expertise needed in these roles. However, hourly compensation can differ based on whether one is working for in-house teams or agency environments. While in-house roles may offer steadier pay with benefits, many professionals gravitate towards freelance work for the flexibility it provides, although they might endure income instability due to the fluctuations in project demand. Understanding the trade-offs in hourly rate versus benefits can assist designers in making optimal career choices within Bristol’s graphic design community.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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