Fort Worth vs Houston: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Fort Worth, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Worth, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,493▲ | $60,362 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.48▲ | $29.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,224▲ | $35,421 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,898▲ | $46,171 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,831▲ | $76,187 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,514▲ | $93,634 |
| Total Employed | 219 | 2,770▲ |
Verdict
Fort Worth, TX offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Fort Worth and Houston is $5,131 (8.50%). Fort Worth's median is +0.64% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Worth spans $60,290,Houston spans $58,213. Fort Worth 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, Fort Worth ($68,222 effective) pays 11.47% more than Houston ($61,201 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Worth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,493/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,514)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,222)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Fort Worth grew -0.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Houston over the same period.
Fort Worth, TX
$63,862 (2024) → $63,364 (2025)
Houston, TX
$49,130 (2019) → $58,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Worth, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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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