Hot Springs vs Little Rock: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Hot Springs, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hot Springs, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,910 | $48,186▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.67 | $23.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,132 | $35,959▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,176 | $40,424▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,298 | $59,566▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,840 | $75,442▲ |
| Total Employed | 30 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hot Springs.
The salary gap between Hot Springs and Little Rock is $7,276 (17.79%). Little Rock's median is -25.95% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hot Springs spans $22,708,Little Rock spans $39,483. Little Rock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Rock ($53,921 effective) pays 13.00% more than Hot Springs ($47,720 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,186/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,442)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,921)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Hot Springs grew 4.4% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 12.2% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Hot Springs, AR
$37,900 (2022) → $39,580 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$41,560 (2019) → $46,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hot Springs, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Hot Springs or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hot Springs and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Hot Springs to Little Rock as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Hot Springs vs Little Rock?
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