Graphic Designer Pay

Dallas vs Stephenville: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$65,923
$31.69/hr
Stephenville, TX
$46,492
$22.36/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXStephenville, TX
Median Salary$65,923$46,492
Hourly Rate$31.69$22.36
Entry Level (P10)$40,269$32,765
25th Percentile$51,597$38,242
75th Percentile$78,492$57,489
Top Earner (P90)$97,686$70,727
Total Employed4,7906
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($65,923) and Stephenville ($46,492) graphic designer salaries.DallasStephenvilleMedian Salary$65,923$46,492Entry Level (P10)$40,269$32,765Top Earner (P90)$97,686$70,727US Median $65,075

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Dallas and Stephenville is $19,431 (41.79%). 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,Stephenville spans $37,962. 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
Stephenville
P10 (Entry)$32,765
P25$38,242
Median$46,492
P75$57,489
P90 (Top)$70,727

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($63,947 effective) pays 32.04% more than Stephenville ($48,429 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $65,923
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $63,947
Stephenville
Nominal: $46,492
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $48,429

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 Stephenville 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 Stephenville over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+21.9%

$52,310 (2019) → $63,780 (2025)

Stephenville, TX

+-19.2%

$55,638 (2024) → $44,981 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Dallas or Stephenville?

Dallas has a higher median graphic designer salary at $65,923/year, compared to Stephenville at $46,492/year — a difference of $19,431 (41.79%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Stephenville?

Dallas graphic designers earn $31.69/hr while Stephenville hygienists earn $22.36/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Stephenville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $63,947, Stephenville = $48,429), job availability (4,790 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $40,269 in Dallas and $32,765 in Stephenville. 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