Graphic Designer Salary in Meridian, MS: $52,870 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Meridian, MS earns a median $52,870/year (≈ $25.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $61,692 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Meridian, Mississippi, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $52,870, which is notably lower than the national median of $65,075. The local salary range varies considerably, starting at $34,558 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $81,948 for experienced professionals. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price differences. Salaries are influenced by the demand for specialized skills, such as motion graphics and brand identity, which command a premium within the local market. As Meridian continues to cultivate its job market, this specialty focus can enhance earning potential for skilled graphic designers.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,558 | $16.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,707 | $20.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,870 | $25.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,365 | $32.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,948 | $39.40 |
Median Salary Position
18.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, MS, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,390 (2026 est.). At $52,870, the local median is 18.76% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Meridian median: $52,870/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $55,770 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -18.76% less |
Graphic Designers in Meridian, MS earn a median of $52,870 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $55,770.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian 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.
Meridian, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $52,870 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,692 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,336
2025 BLS Actual
$51,151
2026 Current Est.
$52,870
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,336 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,368 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,199 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,113 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,861 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,122 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,151 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,870 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,646 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $42,336 (2019) to $51,151 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,646 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,310 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $34,558 – $41,707 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,707 – $52,870 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,870 – $67,365 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,365 – $81,948 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Meridian
In the local job market, only seven graphic designers are currently employed in Meridian, suggesting a small but potentially competitive field. With a cost-of-living index of 85.7, take-home salaries may stretch further than in higher-cost locations, allowing for a reasonable quality of life. Among employers, corporate marketing teams in finance and consumer packaged goods tend to offer the most competitive salaries, typically exceeding those provided by advertising agencies. The disparity in pay can be attributed to various factors, including the level of specialization, the prestige of the agency, and the designer's portfolio strength. For graphic designers looking to maximize their pay in Meridian, focusing on building a strong portfolio that highlights expertise in high-demand areas like motion graphics or brand identity is advisable. Additionally, considering freelance opportunities can provide significant income potential, especially for those who can secure premium projects.
More salary data for Meridian, 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 $51,151 for graphic designersin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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