Graphic Designer Pay

Alexandria vs Baton Rouge: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Alexandria, LA and Baton Rouge, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Alexandria, LA
$46,769
$22.48/hr
Baton Rouge, LA
$52,734
$25.35/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlexandria, LABaton Rouge, LA
Median Salary$46,769$52,734
Hourly Rate$22.48$25.35
Entry Level (P10)$31,194$39,773
25th Percentile$36,316$47,184
75th Percentile$59,865$63,329
Top Earner (P90)$72,493$76,993
Total Employed9420
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alexandria ($46,769) and Baton Rouge ($52,734) graphic designer salaries.AlexandriaBaton RougeMedian Salary$46,769$52,734Entry Level (P10)$31,194$39,773Top Earner (P90)$72,493$76,993US Median $65,075

Verdict

Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alexandria.

The salary gap between Alexandria and Baton Rouge is $5,965 (12.75%). Baton Rouge's median is -18.96% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $41,299,Baton Rouge spans $37,220. Alexandria has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Alexandria
P10 (Entry)$31,194
P25$36,316
Median$46,769
P75$59,865
P90 (Top)$72,493
Baton Rouge
P10 (Entry)$39,773
P25$47,184
Median$52,734
P75$63,329
P90 (Top)$76,993

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($58,090 effective) pays 12.16% more than Alexandria ($51,793 effective).

Alexandria
Nominal: $46,769
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $51,793
Baton Rouge
Nominal: $52,734
CoL Index: 90.78
Adjusted: $58,090

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Alexandria if…

  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Baton Rouge if…

  • Higher median salary ($52,734/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($76,993)
  • Larger job market (420 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,090)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Alexandria grew 34.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Baton Rouge over the same period.

Alexandria, LA

+34.1%

$33,740 (2019) → $45,249 (2025)

Baton Rouge, LA

+9.6%

$46,570 (2019) → $51,020 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Alexandria or Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge has a higher median graphic designer salary at $52,734/year, compared to Alexandria at $46,769/year — a difference of $5,965 (12.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Baton Rouge?

Alexandria graphic designers earn $22.48/hr while Baton Rouge hygienists earn $25.35/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Alexandria to Baton Rouge as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alexandria and Baton Rouge. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alexandria = $51,793, Baton Rouge = $58,090), job availability (9 vs 420 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Alexandria vs Baton Rouge?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $31,194 in Alexandria and $39,773 in Baton Rouge. The Baton Rouge 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