Graphic Designer Salary in Horn Lake, MS: $54,636 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Horn Lake, MS earns a median $54,636/year (≈ $26.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Horn Lake's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $63,753 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Horn Lake, Mississippi, can expect a median annual salary of $54,636, significantly lower than the national average of $65,075. The local salary range stretches from $34,148 at the 10th percentile to $84,686 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied opportunities in this market. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, are influenced by the cost of living in Horn Lake, which is 15.7% below the national average. This local context indicates that while there may be potential for income growth, graphic designers at the high end of the scale likely possess specialized skills, such as in motion graphics or brand identity, which can elevate their earnings in the competitive market.
About the Horn Lake Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,148 | $16.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,955 | $20.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,636 | $26.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,495 | $32.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,686 | $40.71 |
Median Salary Position
16.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Horn Lake
In Horn Lake, MS, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,538 (2026 est.). At $54,636, the local median is 16.04% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Horn Lake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Horn Lake Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Horn Lake median: $54,636/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Horn Lake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $55,751 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -16.04% less |
Graphic Designers in Horn Lake, MS earn a median of $54,636 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.04% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.00% below the Mississippi state average of $55,751.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Horn Lake has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Horn Lake, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $54,636 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,753 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,751
2025 BLS Actual
$52,860
2026 Current Est.
$54,636
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Horn Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,751 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,817 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,575 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,687 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,262 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,636 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,472 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Horn Lake metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $43,751 (2019) to $52,860 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,472 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,721 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Horn Lake 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) | $34,148 – $41,955 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,955 – $54,636 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,636 – $68,495 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,495 – $84,686 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Horn Lake
The job market for graphic designers in Horn Lake remains relatively small, with only six designers currently employed. This limited number of positions contributes to the variability in pay and emphasizes the importance of portfolio strength and specialization in areas like motion graphics or brand identity. Companies that tend to pay the most include in-house corporate marketing teams in sectors such as CPG and finance, as well as digital agencies focused on web and social media. The cost-of-living index of 85.7 suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, purchasing power remains reasonable. Designers aiming to maximize their income should consider developing niche skills and targeting higher-tier agencies or corporate roles. Additionally, freelancers can command higher rates for specialized projects, providing an avenue for increased earnings within the local market.
More salary data for Horn Lake, MS:
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
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 $52,860 for graphic designersin the Horn Lake 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
Salary data for Horn Lake 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