Graphic Designer Pay

Clinton vs Gulfport: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Clinton, MS and Gulfport, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Clinton, MS
$51,277
$24.65/hr
Gulfport, MS
$49,489
$23.79/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricClinton, MSGulfport, MS
Median Salary$51,277$49,489
Hourly Rate$24.65$23.79
Entry Level (P10)$34,712$36,962
25th Percentile$41,141$44,776
75th Percentile$64,326$66,429
Top Earner (P90)$79,480$96,786
Total Employed590
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Clinton ($51,277) and Gulfport ($49,489) graphic designer salaries.ClintonGulfportMedian Salary$51,277$49,489Entry Level (P10)$34,712$36,962Top Earner (P90)$79,480$96,786US Median $65,075

Verdict

Clinton and Gulfport are closely matched on overall graphic designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Clinton and Gulfport is $1,788 (3.61%). Clinton's median is -21.20% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clinton spans $44,768,Gulfport spans $59,824. Gulfport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Clinton
P10 (Entry)$34,712
P25$41,141
Median$51,277
P75$64,326
P90 (Top)$79,480
Gulfport
P10 (Entry)$36,962
P25$44,776
Median$49,489
P75$66,429
P90 (Top)$96,786

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Clinton ($59,833 effective) pays 8.82% more than Gulfport ($54,984 effective).

Clinton
Nominal: $51,277
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $59,833
Gulfport
Nominal: $49,489
CoL Index: 90.006
Adjusted: $54,984

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Clinton if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,277/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,833)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Gulfport if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($96,786)
  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Clinton grew 49.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 59.9% growth in Gulfport over the same period.

Clinton, MS

+49.9%

$33,094 (2024) → $49,610 (2025)

Gulfport, MS

+59.9%

$29,940 (2019) → $47,880 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Clinton or Gulfport?

Clinton has a higher median graphic designer salary at $51,277/year, compared to Gulfport at $49,489/year — a difference of $1,788 (3.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Clinton and Gulfport?

Clinton graphic designers earn $24.65/hr while Gulfport hygienists earn $23.79/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Clinton to Gulfport as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Clinton and Gulfport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Clinton = $59,833, Gulfport = $54,984), job availability (5 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Clinton vs Gulfport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $34,712 in Clinton and $36,962 in Gulfport. The Gulfport 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