Houston vs College Station: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Houston, TX and College Station, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | College Station, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,362▲ | $52,228 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.02▲ | $25.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,421 | $36,765▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,171▲ | $46,109 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,187▲ | $66,078 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,634▲ | $82,678 |
| Total Employed | 2,770▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to College Station.
The salary gap between Houston and College Station is $8,134 (15.57%). Houston's median is -7.24% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $58,213,College Station spans $45,913. Houston 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, Houston ($61,201 effective) pays 6.58% more than College Station ($57,424 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,362/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,634)
- ✓Larger job market (2,770 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,201)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose College Station if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Houston grew 18.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.2% growth in College Station over the same period.
Houston, TX
$49,130 (2019) → $58,400 (2025)
College Station, TX
$46,710 (2019) → $50,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
College Station, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Houston or College Station?
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Should I relocate from Houston to College Station as a graphic designer?
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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