Graphic Designer Pay

Dothan vs Huntsville: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Dothan, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dothan, AL
$49,747
$23.92/hr
Huntsville, AL
$64,827
$31.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDothan, ALHuntsville, AL
Median Salary$49,747$64,827
Hourly Rate$23.92$31.16
Entry Level (P10)$33,912$36,734
25th Percentile$38,946$42,212
75th Percentile$58,078$84,042
Top Earner (P90)$72,383$113,438
Total Employed40270
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dothan ($49,747) and Huntsville ($64,827) graphic designer salaries.DothanHuntsvilleMedian Salary$49,747$64,827Entry Level (P10)$33,912$36,734Top Earner (P90)$72,383$113,438US Median $65,075

Verdict

Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dothan.

The salary gap between Dothan and Huntsville is $15,080 (30.31%). Huntsville's median is -0.38% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dothan spans $38,471,Huntsville spans $76,704. Huntsville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Dothan
P10 (Entry)$33,912
P25$38,946
Median$49,747
P75$58,078
P90 (Top)$72,383
Huntsville
P10 (Entry)$36,734
P25$42,212
Median$64,827
P75$84,042
P90 (Top)$113,438

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Huntsville ($69,653 effective) pays 17.38% more than Dothan ($59,341 effective).

Dothan
Nominal: $49,747
CoL Index: 83.833
Adjusted: $59,341
Huntsville
Nominal: $64,827
CoL Index: 93.072
Adjusted: $69,653

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dothan if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Huntsville if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,827/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($113,438)
  • Larger job market (270 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,653)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Dothan grew 27.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Huntsville over the same period.

Dothan, AL

+27.0%

$37,900 (2019) → $48,130 (2025)

Huntsville, AL

+21.7%

$51,520 (2019) → $62,720 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Dothan or Huntsville?

Huntsville has a higher median graphic designer salary at $64,827/year, compared to Dothan at $49,747/year — a difference of $15,080 (30.31%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dothan and Huntsville?

Dothan graphic designers earn $23.92/hr while Huntsville hygienists earn $31.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dothan to Huntsville as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dothan and Huntsville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dothan = $59,341, Huntsville = $69,653), job availability (40 vs 270 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Dothan vs Huntsville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $33,912 in Dothan and $36,734 in Huntsville. The Huntsville 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