Houston vs San Marcos: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Houston, TX and San Marcos, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,362 | $68,814▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.02 | $33.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,421 | $42,979▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,171 | $53,134▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,187 | $88,082▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,634 | $106,661▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,770▲ | 13 |
Verdict
San Marcos, TX offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and San Marcos is $8,452 (14.00%). San Marcos's median is +5.75% 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,San Marcos spans $63,682. San Marcos 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, San Marcos ($71,681 effective) pays 17.12% 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 Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Marcos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,814/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,661)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,681)
- ✓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 10.4% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Houston, TX
$49,130 (2019) → $58,400 (2025)
San Marcos, TX
$60,299 (2024) → $66,577 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
San Marcos, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Houston or San Marcos?
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Should I relocate from Houston to San Marcos 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