Graphic Designer Pay

Houston vs Wylie: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Houston, TX and Wylie, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Houston, TX
$60,362
$29.02/hr
Wylie, TX
$49,451
$23.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouston, TXWylie, TX
Median Salary$60,362$49,451
Hourly Rate$29.02$23.77
Entry Level (P10)$35,421$29,379
25th Percentile$46,171$37,052
75th Percentile$76,187$63,297
Top Earner (P90)$93,634$76,649
Total Employed2,77010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houston ($60,362) and Wylie ($49,451) graphic designer salaries.HoustonWylieMedian Salary$60,362$49,451Entry Level (P10)$35,421$29,379Top Earner (P90)$93,634$76,649US Median $65,075

Verdict

Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wylie.

The salary gap between Houston and Wylie is $10,911 (22.06%). 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,Wylie spans $47,270. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Houston
P10 (Entry)$35,421
P25$46,171
Median$60,362
P75$76,187
P90 (Top)$93,634
Wylie
P10 (Entry)$29,379
P25$37,052
Median$49,451
P75$63,297
P90 (Top)$76,649

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($61,201 effective) pays 18.81% more than Wylie ($51,511 effective).

Houston
Nominal: $60,362
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $61,201
Wylie
Nominal: $49,451
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $51,511

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 Wylie 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 -19.2% growth in Wylie over the same period.

Houston, TX

+18.9%

$49,130 (2019) → $58,400 (2025)

Wylie, TX

+-19.2%

$59,177 (2024) → $47,843 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Houston or Wylie?

Houston has a higher median graphic designer salary at $60,362/year, compared to Wylie at $49,451/year — a difference of $10,911 (22.06%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Wylie?

Houston graphic designers earn $29.02/hr while Wylie hygienists earn $23.77/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Houston to Wylie as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houston and Wylie. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houston = $61,201, Wylie = $51,511), job availability (2,770 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Houston vs Wylie?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $35,421 in Houston and $29,379 in Wylie. The Houston area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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