Graphic Designer Pay

Dallas vs Lufkin: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$65,923
$31.69/hr
Lufkin, TX
$47,209
$22.70/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXLufkin, TX
Median Salary$65,923$47,209
Hourly Rate$31.69$22.70
Entry Level (P10)$40,269$31,001
25th Percentile$51,597$37,310
75th Percentile$78,492$60,254
Top Earner (P90)$97,686$73,174
Total Employed4,7908
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($65,923) and Lufkin ($47,209) graphic designer salaries.DallasLufkinMedian Salary$65,923$47,209Entry Level (P10)$40,269$31,001Top Earner (P90)$97,686$73,174US Median $65,075

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Dallas and Lufkin is $18,714 (39.64%). 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 Dallas spans $57,417,Lufkin spans $42,173. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$40,269
P25$51,597
Median$65,923
P75$78,492
P90 (Top)$97,686
Lufkin
P10 (Entry)$31,001
P25$37,310
Median$47,209
P75$60,254
P90 (Top)$73,174

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($63,947 effective) pays 30.04% more than Lufkin ($49,176 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $65,923
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $63,947
Lufkin
Nominal: $47,209
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $49,176

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Lufkin if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Dallas grew 21.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -19.2% growth in Lufkin over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+21.9%

$52,310 (2019) → $63,780 (2025)

Lufkin, TX

+-19.2%

$56,494 (2024) → $45,674 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Dallas or Lufkin?

Dallas has a higher median graphic designer salary at $65,923/year, compared to Lufkin at $47,209/year — a difference of $18,714 (39.64%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Lufkin?

Dallas graphic designers earn $31.69/hr while Lufkin hygienists earn $22.70/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Lufkin. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $63,947, Lufkin = $49,176), job availability (4,790 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $40,269 in Dallas and $31,001 in Lufkin. 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