Graphic Designer Salary in Tulsa, OK: $61,623 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Tulsa, OK earns a median $61,623/year (≈ $29.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Tulsa's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.2), that paycheck buys what $69,073 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% above the Oklahoma state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tulsa, the graphic designer salary reaches a median of $61,623 in 2026, positioning the city slightly below the national average of $65,075. Salaries in this field demonstrate a wide range, from $38,005 at the lower end to $88,704 for the most experienced professionals, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. This compensation landscape reflects the varying demands and skills within the industry, particularly for specializations like motion graphics and brand identity, which can command a premium. As the city continues to develop its creative economy, opportunities for growth within this sector are likely to expand, offering a favorable environment for well-qualified graphic designers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,005 | $18.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,119 | $24.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,623 | $29.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,918 | $34.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,704 | $42.65 |
Median Salary Position
5.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tulsa
In Tulsa, OK, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,699 (2026 est.). At $61,623, the local median is 5.3% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tulsa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tulsa Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Tulsa median: $61,623/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tulsa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $57,862 | +6.50% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -5.30% less |
Graphic Designers in Tulsa, OK earn a median of $61,623 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.30% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 6.50% above the Oklahoma state average of $57,862.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tulsa has a cost of living 10.79% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tulsa, OK has a cost-of-living index of 89.214 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $61,623 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,073 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.09% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,680
2025 BLS Actual
$59,620
2026 Current Est.
$61,623
2019–2027 Growth
+60.5%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Tulsa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,180 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,623 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,694 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tulsa metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 50.3% from $39,680 (2019) to $59,620 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,694 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,014 (60.52%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tulsa 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) | $38,005 – $50,119 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,119 – $61,623 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,623 – $71,918 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,918 – $88,704 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Tulsa
With approximately 560 graphic designers working in Tulsa, the local job market remains robust despite the competitive national landscape. The cost of living index of 89.214 suggests that the purchasing power of salaries here is reasonably strong, allowing professionals to enjoy a fair quality of life. Major employers like corporate marketing teams in banking and tech, as well as established advertising agencies, typically offer the highest salaries. The disparity in wages can often be attributed to job specialization; those in motion graphics or brand design tend to surpass their peers focused on general graphic design. To enhance earning potential in Tulsa, designers should consider building diverse portfolios, gaining experience with top agencies, or specializing in high-demand niches, all of which can lead to significant salary increases.
More salary data for Tulsa, 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 $59,620 for graphic designersin the Tulsa 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