Graphic Designer Salary in Montgomery, AL: $49,995 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Montgomery, AL earns a median $49,995/year (≈ $24.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Montgomery's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.7), that paycheck buys what $55,747 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Montgomery, Alabama, graphic designers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $49,995 in 2026, which reflects a significant gap when compared to the national median of $65,075. The salary range for graphic designers in this region varies considerably, from $36,176 at the 10th percentile to as much as $85,758 at the 90th percentile. This data comes from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlighting the unique market conditions that affect compensation in Montgomery. The local job market presents opportunities particularly for those specializing in motion graphics or brand identity, which typically commands a premium and can increase overall earnings substantially compared to general graphic design roles.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,176 | $17.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,897 | $19.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,995 | $24.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,512 | $31.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,758 | $41.23 |
Median Salary Position
23.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montgomery
In Montgomery, AL, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,582 (2026 est.). At $49,995, the local median is 23.17% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Montgomery: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Montgomery Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Montgomery median: $49,995/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Montgomery Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $48,967 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -23.17% less |
Graphic Designers in Montgomery, AL earn a median of $49,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.17% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.10% above the Alabama state average of $48,967.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Montgomery has a cost of living 10.32% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Montgomery, AL has a cost-of-living index of 89.682 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $49,995 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,747 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.51% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$37,740
2025 BLS Actual
$48,370
2026 Current Est.
$49,995
2019–2027 Growth
+36.9%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Montgomery (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,220 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,080 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,995 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,675 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montgomery metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 28.2% from $37,740 (2019) to $48,370 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,675 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,935 (36.92%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montgomery 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,176 – $39,897 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,897 – $49,995 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,995 – $66,512 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,512 – $85,758 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Montgomery
Montgomery's job market consists of around 150 graphic designers, creating a competitive atmosphere. The cost of living index stands at 89.682, making it more affordable than many national averages. This reality positively impacts the take-home purchasing power for designers in the area. Employers that tend to offer the highest pay include in-house corporate marketing teams within banks and consumer packaged goods companies, alongside specialized advertising and brand agencies. Factors contributing to the variance in salaries include the specialization within graphic design, the tier of the agency, and individual portfolio strength. For designers looking to maximize their pay, seeking roles in high-impact sectors or pursuing advanced titles such as creative director can be beneficial strategies in navigating the Montgomery, AL, job market.
More salary data for Montgomery, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Montgomery, AL in 2026?
Is Montgomery, AL a good place to work as a graphic designer?
Can graphic designers make $100K in Montgomery?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Montgomery?
How much does a graphic designer make per hour in Montgomery?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alabama
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $48,370 for graphic designersin the Montgomery metropolitan area. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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