Graphic Designer Salary in Altus, OK: $54,848 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Altus, OK earns a median $54,848/year (≈ $26.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Altus's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $61,696 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Oklahoma state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a graphic designer in Altus, Oklahoma, can expect a median annual salary of $54,848, which is significantly lower than the national median of $65,075, reflecting a deviation of about 15.72%. This local figure is derived from BLS state-level estimates and adjusted for regional cost variations, with a salary range spanning from $35,250 at the lower end to $85,015 at the upper end. Graphic designers in this city face a competitive but manageable market, where both freelance and agency opportunities exist. However, understanding the local nuances—like the differences between day rates and project rates—can be essential for maximizing earnings in this area.
About the Altus Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,250 | $16.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,685 | $20.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,848 | $26.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,596 | $32.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,015 | $40.87 |
Median Salary Position
15.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Altus
In Altus, OK, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,765 (2026 est.). At $54,848, the local median is 15.72% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Altus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Altus Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Altus median: $54,848/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Altus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $57,857 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -15.72% less |
Graphic Designers in Altus, OK earn a median of $54,848 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.72% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.20% below the Oklahoma state average of $57,857.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Altus has a cost of living 11.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Altus, OK has a cost-of-living index of 88.9 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $54,848 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,696 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,920
2025 BLS Actual
$53,065
2026 Current Est.
$54,848
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Altus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,991 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,740 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,876 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,652 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,457 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,065 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,848 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,691 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Altus metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $43,920 (2019) to $53,065 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,691 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,771 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Altus 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) | $35,250 – $42,685 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,685 – $54,848 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,848 – $67,596 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,596 – $85,015 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Altus
With only five graphic designers currently employed in Altus, the job market remains relatively small, contributing to a tight-knit professional community. The cost-of-living index of 88.9 suggests that although salaries are lower than the national average, the purchasing power for residents may be more favorable. Among local employers, in-house corporate positions at banks and retail organizations typically offer more stability in pay, while advertising agencies may pay a premium for specialized work like motion graphics or brand identity development. The variation in salaries can stem from several factors, including the strength of a designer's portfolio, the tier of agency, and how expertise in specific areas commands higher pay. For graphic designers in Altus, focusing on establishing a strong portfolio, nurturing connections with in-house teams, and continually developing niche skills in high-demand areas can be effective strategies to enhance their pay.
More salary data for Altus, OK:
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 $53,065 for graphic designersin the Altus 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 Altus 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