Graphic Designer Salary in Laredo, TX: $45,964 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Laredo, TX earns a median $45,964/year (≈ $22.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Laredo's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 87.0), that paycheck buys what $52,859 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the median annual compensation for graphic designers in Laredo, Texas, is projected to be $45,964, which is significantly lower than the national median of $65,075. The pay range extends from $29,871 at the 10th percentile to $64,982 at the 90th percentile, providing a broad spectrum for professionals at different levels in their careers. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, reflect the local market's demand for graphic designers with specialized skills. The competitive advantage often lies in areas such as motion graphics and brand identity, where designers are likely to command higher salaries. As Laredo continues to grow, opportunities for skilled graphic designers, especially those with expertise in high-demand specialties, are likely to expand.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,871 | $14.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,005 | $16.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,964 | $22.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,228 | $25.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,982 | $31.25 |
Median Salary Position
29.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laredo
In Laredo, TX, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,111 (2026 est.). At $45,964, the local median is 29.37% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laredo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laredo Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Laredo median: $45,964/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laredo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $49,745 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -29.37% less |
Graphic Designers in Laredo, TX earn a median of $45,964 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.37% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.60% below the Texas state average of $49,745.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laredo has a cost of living 13.04% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laredo, TX has a cost-of-living index of 86.956 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $45,964 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,859 in an average-cost city — an effective 15% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,070
2025 BLS Actual
$44,470
2026 Current Est.
$45,964
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Laredo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,950 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,964 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,509 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laredo metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.0% from $37,070 (2019) to $44,470 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,509 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,439 (28.16%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laredo 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) | $29,871 – $34,005 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,005 – $45,964 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,964 – $52,228 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,228 – $64,982 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Laredo
The job market for graphic designers in Laredo consists of around 40 professionals, which indicates a concentrated yet competitive landscape. The cost of living in the area is relatively low, with a cost-of-living index of 86.956, meaning that graphic designer pay in Laredo TX can yield substantial purchasing power for residents compared to more expensive cities. Employers that typically offer higher salaries include in-house corporate marketing teams in sectors like banks and consumer packaged goods, as well as advertising agencies that prioritize top talent. The disparity in salaries can often be attributed to various factors, such as the specific design specialty, agency prestige, and individual portfolio strength. To maximize pay, aspiring graphic designers should focus on developing niche skills, building a strong portfolio, and considering freelance opportunities that allow for higher compensation per project in competitive instances.
More salary data for Laredo, TX:
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 $44,470 for graphic designersin the Laredo 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