Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Hampton, VA: $29.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Hampton, VA runs $29.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,071 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Hampton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,240 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hampton, Virginia, graphic designers earn a median hourly pay of $29.84, which is slightly below the national median of $31.29. For part-time designers working three days a week, this rate can create a predictable income, allowing for flexibility in work environments such as agency settings, in-house marketing departments, and freelance arrangements. Entry-level designers may expect hourly wages starting around $19.12, while seasoned professionals can reach rates as high as $46.25. These figures are derived from annual salary projections, highlighting the potential for a stable career in a city where creative services are in demand across various sectors, including branding and marketing.
About the Hampton 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) | $19.12 | $152.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.37 | $186.96 |
| Median (P50) | $29.84 | $238.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.20 | $305.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.25 | $370.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hampton
Based on $29.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.84/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hampton, VA can expect to earn approximately $62,067 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,808. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hampton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hampton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,193.60 | $5,172 | $62,067 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $716.16 | $3,103 | $37,240 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.44 | $2,069 | $24,827 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Hampton) | $29.84 |
| 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 Hampton, VA earn a median of $62,071 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.62% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.10% below the Virginia state average of $62,133.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.84/hr = $37,240/year (purchasing power: $36,086).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,067/year (purchasing power: $60,143).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Hampton grew 20.8% from $23.89/hr (2019) to $28.87/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.84/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 Hampton 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 Hampton
Factors influencing hourly pay in Hampton extend beyond the base rate. For instance, a graphic designer working part-time at 24 hours a week could see annual earnings of roughly $37,000, significantly less than full-time counterparts. Per diem graphic designers often command higher rates, billing anywhere from $50 to $95 an hour, while specialized roles, such as motion graphics specialists or senior brand designers, can charge between $75 and $180 hourly. Employers vary in pay structures, with in-house teams at corporations typically offering steadier, lower rates compared to the more lucrative opportunities available at advertising and digital agencies. It’s crucial for designers in Hampton to weigh the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits, influencing their career choices and negotiations, as some may prefer lower rates tied to health insurance and job security over higher freelance rates that lack stability. Designing an effective negotiation strategy can help local designers secure competitive compensation for their skills and expertise in the evolving market.
More salary data for Hampton, 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 Hampton. 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 Hampton 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