Dallas vs The Colony: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Dallas, TX and The Colony, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | The Colony, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,923▲ | $48,648 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.69▲ | $23.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,269▲ | $30,329 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,597▲ | $37,253 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,492▲ | $61,981 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,686▲ | $75,405 |
| Total Employed | 4,790▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to The Colony.
The salary gap between Dallas and The Colony is $17,275 (35.51%). 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,The Colony spans $45,076. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($63,947 effective) pays 26.19% more than The Colony ($50,675 effective).
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 The Colony 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 The Colony over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$52,310 (2019) → $63,780 (2025)
The Colony, TX
$58,217 (2024) → $47,067 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
The Colony, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Dallas or The Colony?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and The Colony?
Should I relocate from Dallas to The Colony as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Dallas vs The Colony?
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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