Creative & Education Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Graphic Designer Salary in Austin, Texas

The median graphic designer salary in Austin, TX is $60,890 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 14.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$60,890
vs State Avg
+$7,539
vs National
+$2,900
Cost of Living
105%

Graphic Designer Pay in Austin: What to Expect (2026)

Austin offers a median graphic designer salary of $60,890, which is $7,539 above the Texas state average of $53,351. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for graphic designers in Austin spans from $38,220 at the 10th percentile to $103,110 at the 90th percentile — a $64,890 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,900, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,400. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Graphic Designer Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,900
+$1,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,900
+$2,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
+$4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $38,220
25th Percentile $47,670
Median (50th) $60,890
75th Percentile $78,330
90th Percentile $103,110

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Texas Cities

Dallas, TX
$57,990
Pop. 1,304,379
Houston, TX
$55,670
Pop. 2,304,580
Fort Worth, TX
$53,351
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$51,031
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Austin

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Austin and the surrounding Texas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Austin may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Austin

Browse open graphic designer positions in Austin, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Austin

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Austin, Texas is $60,890 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $38,220 (10th percentile) to $103,110 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,890, a graphic designer in Austin earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Austin's median graphic designer salary of $60,890 is 14.1% above the Texas state average of $53,351. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $60,890 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Austin? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Austin require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Color Theory. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.