Graphic Designer Pay

Dallas vs Little Elm: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Dallas, TX and Little Elm, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$65,923
$31.69/hr
Little Elm, TX
$48,262
$23.20/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXLittle Elm, TX
Median Salary$65,923$48,262
Hourly Rate$31.69$23.20
Entry Level (P10)$40,269$29,451
25th Percentile$51,597$39,427
75th Percentile$78,492$60,960
Top Earner (P90)$97,686$74,806
Total Employed4,79012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($65,923) and Little Elm ($48,262) graphic designer salaries.DallasLittle ElmMedian Salary$65,923$48,262Entry Level (P10)$40,269$29,451Top Earner (P90)$97,686$74,806US Median $65,075

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Elm.

The salary gap between Dallas and Little Elm is $17,661 (36.59%). Dallas's median is +1.30% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $57,417,Little Elm spans $45,355. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$40,269
P25$51,597
Median$65,923
P75$78,492
P90 (Top)$97,686
Little Elm
P10 (Entry)$29,451
P25$39,427
Median$48,262
P75$60,960
P90 (Top)$74,806

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($63,947 effective) pays 27.20% more than Little Elm ($50,273 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $65,923
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $63,947
Little Elm
Nominal: $48,262
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $50,273

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($65,923/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($97,686)
  • Larger job market (4,790 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,947)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Little Elm if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Dallas grew 21.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -19.2% growth in Little Elm over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+21.9%

$52,310 (2019) → $63,780 (2025)

Little Elm, TX

+-19.2%

$57,755 (2024) → $46,693 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Dallas or Little Elm?

Dallas has a higher median graphic designer salary at $65,923/year, compared to Little Elm at $48,262/year — a difference of $17,661 (36.59%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Little Elm?

Dallas graphic designers earn $31.69/hr while Little Elm hygienists earn $23.20/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Little Elm as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Little Elm. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $63,947, Little Elm = $50,273), job availability (4,790 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Dallas vs Little Elm?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $40,269 in Dallas and $29,451 in Little Elm. The Dallas area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, BFAData verified by Carlos Rodriguez, MA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov