Graphic Designer Pay

Austin vs Weatherford: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

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

Austin, TX
$67,246
$32.33/hr
Weatherford, TX
$48,413
$23.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXWeatherford, TX
Median Salary$67,246$48,413
Hourly Rate$32.33$23.28
Entry Level (P10)$42,057$29,792
25th Percentile$53,892$39,734
75th Percentile$82,471$61,402
Top Earner (P90)$105,107$75,039
Total Employed1,8809
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($67,246) and Weatherford ($48,413) graphic designer salaries.AustinWeatherfordMedian Salary$67,246$48,413Entry Level (P10)$42,057$29,792Top Earner (P90)$105,107$75,039US Median $65,075

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and Weatherford is $18,833 (38.90%). Austin's median is +3.34% 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,Weatherford spans $45,247. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$42,057
P25$53,892
Median$67,246
P75$82,471
P90 (Top)$105,107
Weatherford
P10 (Entry)$29,792
P25$39,734
Median$48,413
P75$61,402
P90 (Top)$75,039

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($68,572 effective) pays 35.97% more than Weatherford ($50,430 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $67,246
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $68,572
Weatherford
Nominal: $48,413
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $50,430

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,246/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($105,107)
  • Larger job market (1,880 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,572)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Weatherford if…

  • 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 -19.2% growth in Weatherford over the same period.

Austin, TX

+22.7%

$53,040 (2019) → $65,060 (2025)

Weatherford, TX

+-19.2%

$57,935 (2024) → $46,839 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Austin or Weatherford?

Austin has a higher median graphic designer salary at $67,246/year, compared to Weatherford at $48,413/year — a difference of $18,833 (38.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Weatherford?

Austin graphic designers earn $32.33/hr while Weatherford hygienists earn $23.28/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Weatherford as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Weatherford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $68,572, Weatherford = $50,430), job availability (1,880 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Austin vs Weatherford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $42,057 in Austin and $29,792 in Weatherford. The Austin 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