Graphic Designer Pay

Anniston vs Huntsville: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Anniston, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Anniston, AL
$45,975
$22.10/hr
Huntsville, AL
$64,827
$31.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnniston, ALHuntsville, AL
Median Salary$45,975$64,827
Hourly Rate$22.10$31.16
Entry Level (P10)$29,850$36,734
25th Percentile$35,701$42,212
75th Percentile$60,249$84,042
Top Earner (P90)$84,528$113,438
Total Employed40270
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Anniston ($45,975) and Huntsville ($64,827) graphic designer salaries.AnnistonHuntsvilleMedian Salary$45,975$64,827Entry Level (P10)$29,850$36,734Top Earner (P90)$84,528$113,438US Median $65,075

Verdict

Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Anniston.

The salary gap between Anniston and Huntsville is $18,852 (41.00%). Huntsville's median is -0.38% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anniston spans $54,678,Huntsville spans $76,704. Huntsville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Anniston
P10 (Entry)$29,850
P25$35,701
Median$45,975
P75$60,249
P90 (Top)$84,528
Huntsville
P10 (Entry)$36,734
P25$42,212
Median$64,827
P75$84,042
P90 (Top)$113,438

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Huntsville ($69,653 effective) pays 30.21% more than Anniston ($53,491 effective).

Anniston
Nominal: $45,975
CoL Index: 85.949
Adjusted: $53,491
Huntsville
Nominal: $64,827
CoL Index: 93.072
Adjusted: $69,653

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Anniston if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Huntsville if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,827/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($113,438)
  • Larger job market (270 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,653)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Anniston grew 13.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Huntsville over the same period.

Anniston, AL

+13.2%

$39,280 (2021) → $44,480 (2025)

Huntsville, AL

+21.7%

$51,520 (2019) → $62,720 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Anniston or Huntsville?

Huntsville has a higher median graphic designer salary at $64,827/year, compared to Anniston at $45,975/year — a difference of $18,852 (41.00%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Anniston and Huntsville?

Anniston graphic designers earn $22.10/hr while Huntsville hygienists earn $31.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Anniston to Huntsville as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Anniston and Huntsville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Anniston = $53,491, Huntsville = $69,653), job availability (40 vs 270 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Anniston vs Huntsville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $29,850 in Anniston and $36,734 in Huntsville. The Huntsville 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