Graphic Designer Salary in Rowlett, TX: $48,722 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Rowlett, TX earns a median $48,722/year (≈ $23.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Rowlett's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $50,752 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rowlett, Texas, graphic designers can expect a median annual salary of $48,722 in 2026, with a salary range spanning from $30,268 at the low end (P10) to $75,519 for top earners (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price differences, illustrate a market that offers various opportunities depending on skills and experience. The disparity between freelance rates and project rates can significantly impact earnings, with seasoned designers in niche areas, such as motion graphics and brand identity, often commanding higher compensation. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for aspiring designers, as navigating the local job market hinges on aligning expertise with client needs.
About the Rowlett Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,268 | $14.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,498 | $18.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,722 | $23.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,364 | $29.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,519 | $36.31 |
Median Salary Position
25.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rowlett
In Rowlett, TX, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,251 (2026 est.). At $48,722, the local median is 25.13% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rowlett: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rowlett Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Rowlett median: $48,722/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rowlett Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $49,716 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -25.13% less |
Graphic Designers in Rowlett, TX earn a median of $48,722 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.13% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.00% below the Texas state average of $49,716.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rowlett 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.
Rowlett, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $48,722 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,752 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,015
2025 BLS Actual
$47,138
2026 Current Est.
$48,722
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Rowlett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,015 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,965 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,966 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,417 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,106 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,305 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,138 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,722 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,359 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rowlett metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $39,015 (2019) to $47,138 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,359 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,344 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rowlett 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) | $30,268 – $37,498 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,498 – $48,722 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,722 – $62,364 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,364 – $75,519 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Rowlett
The job market for graphic designers in Rowlett is currently home to about 15 professionals, which indicates a tighter employment pool compared to larger cities. With a cost of living index of 96, designers in the area may find their purchasing power affected by local economic conditions. Industries like corporate marketing and brand teams—especially in finance or consumer packaged goods—tend to offer higher salaries compared to general retail roles, making them attractive options for designers seeking stable pay. Furthermore, rates can vary widely based on specialties, employer type, and experience level, with creative director salaries representing a significant jump. To optimize earnings in Rowlett, designers should focus on building a strong portfolio that highlights specialized skills and consider opportunities with reputable agencies or larger corporations that recognize the value of refined talent over broader, more generalized experience.
More salary data for Rowlett, 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 $47,138 for graphic designersin the Rowlett 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 Rowlett 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