Austin vs Round Rock: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Austin, TX and Round Rock, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Round Rock, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,246 | $67,716▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.33 | $32.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,057▲ | $39,934 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,892▲ | $50,458 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,471 | $86,677▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,107▲ | $104,960 |
| Total Employed | 1,880▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Austin and Round Rock are closely matched on overall graphic designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Austin and Round Rock is $470 (0.70%). Round Rock's median is +4.06% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $63,050,Round Rock spans $65,026. Round Rock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Round Rock ($70,538 effective) pays 2.87% more than Austin ($68,572 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,107)
- ✓Larger job market (1,880 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Round Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,716/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,538)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Austin grew 22.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.2% growth in Round Rock over the same period.
Austin, TX
$53,040 (2019) → $65,060 (2025)
Round Rock, TX
$60,536 (2024) → $65,515 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Round Rock, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Austin or Round Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Round Rock?
Should I relocate from Austin to Round Rock as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Austin vs Round Rock?
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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.
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