Graphic Designer Pay

Homewood vs Montgomery: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

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

Homewood, AL
$47,315
$22.75/hr
Montgomery, AL
$49,995
$24.03/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHomewood, ALMontgomery, AL
Median Salary$47,315$49,995
Hourly Rate$22.75$24.03
Entry Level (P10)$32,388$36,176
25th Percentile$38,404$39,897
75th Percentile$60,564$66,512
Top Earner (P90)$73,338$85,758
Total Employed5150
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Homewood ($47,315) and Montgomery ($49,995) graphic designer salaries.HomewoodMontgomeryMedian Salary$47,315$49,995Entry Level (P10)$32,388$36,176Top Earner (P90)$73,338$85,758US Median $65,075

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Homewood and Montgomery is $2,680 (5.66%). Montgomery's median is -23.17% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Homewood spans $40,950,Montgomery spans $49,582. Montgomery has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Homewood
P10 (Entry)$32,388
P25$38,404
Median$47,315
P75$60,564
P90 (Top)$73,338
Montgomery
P10 (Entry)$36,176
P25$39,897
Median$49,995
P75$66,512
P90 (Top)$85,758

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Montgomery ($55,747 effective) pays 3.56% more than Homewood ($53,828 effective).

Homewood
Nominal: $47,315
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $53,828
Montgomery
Nominal: $49,995
CoL Index: 89.682
Adjusted: $55,747

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Homewood if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Montgomery if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,995/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($85,758)
  • Larger job market (150 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,747)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Homewood grew 12.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.2% growth in Montgomery over the same period.

Homewood, AL

+12.3%

$40,764 (2024) → $45,777 (2025)

Montgomery, AL

+28.2%

$37,740 (2019) → $48,370 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Homewood or Montgomery?

Montgomery has a higher median graphic designer salary at $49,995/year, compared to Homewood at $47,315/year — a difference of $2,680 (5.66%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Homewood and Montgomery?

Homewood graphic designers earn $22.75/hr while Montgomery hygienists earn $24.03/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Homewood to Montgomery as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Homewood and Montgomery. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Homewood = $53,828, Montgomery = $55,747), job availability (5 vs 150 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Homewood vs Montgomery?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $32,388 in Homewood and $36,176 in Montgomery. The Montgomery 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