Graphic Designer Salary in Carrollton, TX: $50,345 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Carrollton, TX earns a median $50,345/year (≈ $24.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Carrollton's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $52,443 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For graphic designers evaluating their potential in Carrollton, Texas, the employment structure presents distinct opportunities based on whether they choose to work in-house or at an agency. With a projected median salary of $50,345 in 2026, designers in this region earn significantly less than the national average of $65,075, showcasing a difference of 22.64%. The salary range for local positions varies widely, spanning from $29,361 at the lower end to $78,034 for more experienced professionals. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adapted for regional cost variations. Given the unique dynamics of this market, designers must navigate the implications their choice of employer has on compensation and career progression.
About the Carrollton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,361 | $14.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,217 | $19.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,345 | $24.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,441 | $30.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,034 | $37.52 |
Median Salary Position
22.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carrollton
In Carrollton, TX, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,673 (2026 est.). At $50,345, the local median is 22.64% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carrollton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carrollton Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Carrollton median: $50,345/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carrollton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $49,748 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -22.64% less |
Graphic Designers in Carrollton, TX earn a median of $50,345 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.64% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.20% above the Texas state average of $49,748.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carrollton has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carrollton, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $50,345 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,443 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% 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
$40,314
2025 BLS Actual
$48,708
2026 Current Est.
$50,345
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Carrollton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,314 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,297 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,231 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,863 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,575 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,247 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,708 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,345 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,036 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carrollton metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $40,314 (2019) to $48,708 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,036 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,722 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrollton 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) | $29,361 – $40,217 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,217 – $50,345 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,345 – $64,441 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,441 – $78,034 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Carrollton
The graphic design job market in Carrollton sees around 20 professionals currently employed in the field, making for a relatively small but focused community. With a cost-of-living index of 96, designers can have a more favorable purchasing power compared to many other U.S. markets. Companies in sectors such as corporate marketing for banks, retail, and technology tend to offer higher salaries, particularly for those with skills in motion graphics or brand identity, which are valued significantly. The disparity in pay can be attributed to the specialty of work and the type of agency or corporation hiring. Those engaged in freelance work often find it challenging due to market saturation at the lower end; however, experienced freelancers can command premium rates. To maximize their graphic designer pay in Carrollton, professionals should focus on building a strong portfolio that highlights their specialties, targeting top-tier agencies or high-profile in-house roles, and possibly exploring niche markets where demand exceeds supply.
More salary data for Carrollton, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Carrollton, TX in 2026?
Is Carrollton, TX a good place to work as a graphic designer?
Can graphic designers make $100K in Carrollton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Carrollton?
How much does a graphic designer make per hour in Carrollton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 $48,708 for graphic designersin the Carrollton 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 Carrollton 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