Graphic Designer Pay

Huntsville vs Mobile: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

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

Huntsville, AL
$64,827
$31.16/hr
Mobile, AL
$47,360
$22.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHuntsville, ALMobile, AL
Median Salary$64,827$47,360
Hourly Rate$31.16$22.77
Entry Level (P10)$36,734$35,070
25th Percentile$42,212$38,409
75th Percentile$84,042$64,145
Top Earner (P90)$113,438$76,455
Total Employed270100
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Huntsville ($64,827) and Mobile ($47,360) graphic designer salaries.HuntsvilleMobileMedian Salary$64,827$47,360Entry Level (P10)$36,734$35,070Top Earner (P90)$113,438$76,455US Median $65,075

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Huntsville and Mobile is $17,467 (36.88%). Huntsville's median is -0.38% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntsville spans $76,704,Mobile spans $41,385. Huntsville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Huntsville
P10 (Entry)$36,734
P25$42,212
Median$64,827
P75$84,042
P90 (Top)$113,438
Mobile
P10 (Entry)$35,070
P25$38,409
Median$47,360
P75$64,145
P90 (Top)$76,455

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Huntsville ($69,653 effective) pays 29.57% more than Mobile ($53,758 effective).

Huntsville
Nominal: $64,827
CoL Index: 93.072
Adjusted: $69,653
Mobile
Nominal: $47,360
CoL Index: 88.098
Adjusted: $53,758

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Huntsville if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,827/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($113,438)
  • Larger job market (270 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,653)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Mobile if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Huntsville grew 21.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in Mobile over the same period.

Huntsville, AL

+21.7%

$51,520 (2019) → $62,720 (2025)

Mobile, AL

+19.9%

$38,200 (2019) → $45,820 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Huntsville or Mobile?

Huntsville has a higher median graphic designer salary at $64,827/year, compared to Mobile at $47,360/year — a difference of $17,467 (36.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Huntsville and Mobile?

Huntsville graphic designers earn $31.16/hr while Mobile hygienists earn $22.77/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Huntsville to Mobile as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Huntsville and Mobile. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Huntsville = $69,653, Mobile = $53,758), job availability (270 vs 100 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Huntsville vs Mobile?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $36,734 in Huntsville and $35,070 in Mobile. The Huntsville 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