Graphic Designer Pay

Amarillo vs Dallas: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Amarillo, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Amarillo, TX
$47,773
$22.97/hr
Dallas, TX
$65,923
$31.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAmarillo, TXDallas, TX
Median Salary$47,773$65,923
Hourly Rate$22.97$31.69
Entry Level (P10)$34,005$40,269
25th Percentile$40,455$51,597
75th Percentile$61,778$78,492
Top Earner (P90)$75,318$97,686
Total Employed904,790
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Amarillo ($47,773) and Dallas ($65,923) graphic designer salaries.AmarilloDallasMedian Salary$47,773$65,923Entry Level (P10)$34,005$40,269Top Earner (P90)$75,318$97,686US Median $65,075

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Amarillo.

The salary gap between Amarillo and Dallas is $18,150 (37.99%). Dallas's median is +1.30% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Amarillo spans $41,313,Dallas spans $57,417. Dallas has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Amarillo
P10 (Entry)$34,005
P25$40,455
Median$47,773
P75$61,778
P90 (Top)$75,318
Dallas
P10 (Entry)$40,269
P25$51,597
Median$65,923
P75$78,492
P90 (Top)$97,686

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($63,947 effective) pays 22.91% more than Amarillo ($52,029 effective).

Amarillo
Nominal: $47,773
CoL Index: 91.82
Adjusted: $52,029
Dallas
Nominal: $65,923
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $63,947

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Amarillo if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($65,923/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($97,686)
  • Larger job market (4,790 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,947)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Amarillo grew 20.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Dallas over the same period.

Amarillo, TX

+20.1%

$38,470 (2019) → $46,220 (2025)

Dallas, TX

+21.9%

$52,310 (2019) → $63,780 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Amarillo or Dallas?

Dallas has a higher median graphic designer salary at $65,923/year, compared to Amarillo at $47,773/year — a difference of $18,150 (37.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Amarillo and Dallas?

Amarillo graphic designers earn $22.97/hr while Dallas hygienists earn $31.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Amarillo to Dallas as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Amarillo and Dallas. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Amarillo = $52,029, Dallas = $63,947), job availability (90 vs 4,790 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Amarillo vs Dallas?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $34,005 in Amarillo and $40,269 in Dallas. The Dallas area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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