Graphic Designer Pay

Albuquerque vs Deming: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Deming, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Albuquerque, NM
$65,954
$31.71/hr
Deming, NM
$57,318
$27.56/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbuquerque, NMDeming, NM
Median Salary$65,954$57,318
Hourly Rate$31.71$27.56
Entry Level (P10)$40,290$39,965
25th Percentile$49,468$47,016
75th Percentile$72,889$72,871
Top Earner (P90)$78,223$88,843
Total Employed4804
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albuquerque ($65,954) and Deming ($57,318) graphic designer salaries.AlbuquerqueDemingMedian Salary$65,954$57,318Entry Level (P10)$40,290$39,965Top Earner (P90)$78,223$88,843US Median $65,075

Verdict

Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Deming.

The salary gap between Albuquerque and Deming is $8,636 (15.07%). Albuquerque's median is +1.35% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $37,933,Deming spans $48,878. Deming has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Albuquerque
P10 (Entry)$40,290
P25$49,468
Median$65,954
P75$72,889
P90 (Top)$78,223
Deming
P10 (Entry)$39,965
P25$47,016
Median$57,318
P75$72,871
P90 (Top)$88,843

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($69,029 effective) pays 13.69% more than Deming ($60,718 effective).

Albuquerque
Nominal: $65,954
CoL Index: 95.546
Adjusted: $69,029
Deming
Nominal: $57,318
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $60,718

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Albuquerque if…

  • Higher median salary ($65,954/year)
  • Larger job market (480 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,029)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Choose Deming if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($88,843)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Albuquerque grew 40.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.1% growth in Deming over the same period.

Albuquerque, NM

+40.1%

$45,540 (2019) → $63,810 (2025)

Deming, NM

+21.1%

$45,801 (2024) → $55,455 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Albuquerque or Deming?

Albuquerque has a higher median graphic designer salary at $65,954/year, compared to Deming at $57,318/year — a difference of $8,636 (15.07%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Deming?

Albuquerque graphic designers earn $31.71/hr while Deming hygienists earn $27.56/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Deming as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albuquerque and Deming. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albuquerque = $69,029, Deming = $60,718), job availability (480 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Albuquerque vs Deming?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $40,290 in Albuquerque and $39,965 in Deming. The Albuquerque area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, BFAData verified by Carlos Rodriguez, MA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov