Graphic Designer Pay

Jackson vs Olive Branch: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Jackson, MS and Olive Branch, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Jackson, MS
$48,900
$23.51/hr
Olive Branch, MS
$52,766
$25.36/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJackson, MSOlive Branch, MS
Median Salary$48,900$52,766
Hourly Rate$23.51$25.36
Entry Level (P10)$36,703$34,379
25th Percentile$41,334$41,502
75th Percentile$64,931$67,541
Top Earner (P90)$81,386$81,788
Total Employed2707
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jackson ($48,900) and Olive Branch ($52,766) graphic designer salaries.JacksonOlive BranchMedian Salary$48,900$52,766Entry Level (P10)$36,703$34,379Top Earner (P90)$81,386$81,788US Median $65,075

Verdict

Olive Branch, MS offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.

The salary gap between Jackson and Olive Branch is $3,866 (7.91%). Olive Branch's median is -18.92% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $44,683,Olive Branch spans $47,409. Olive Branch has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Jackson
P10 (Entry)$36,703
P25$41,334
Median$48,900
P75$64,931
P90 (Top)$81,386
Olive Branch
P10 (Entry)$34,379
P25$41,502
Median$52,766
P75$67,541
P90 (Top)$81,788

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Olive Branch ($61,571 effective) pays 12.12% more than Jackson ($54,914 effective).

Jackson
Nominal: $48,900
CoL Index: 89.048
Adjusted: $54,914
Olive Branch
Nominal: $52,766
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $61,571

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jackson if…

  • Larger job market (270 employed)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Olive Branch if…

  • Higher median salary ($52,766/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($81,788)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,571)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Jackson grew 12.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 49.9% growth in Olive Branch over the same period.

Jackson, MS

+12.6%

$42,030 (2019) → $47,310 (2025)

Olive Branch, MS

+49.9%

$34,055 (2024) → $51,051 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Jackson or Olive Branch?

Olive Branch has a higher median graphic designer salary at $52,766/year, compared to Jackson at $48,900/year — a difference of $3,866 (7.91%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Olive Branch?

Jackson graphic designers earn $23.51/hr while Olive Branch hygienists earn $25.36/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jackson to Olive Branch as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jackson and Olive Branch. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jackson = $54,914, Olive Branch = $61,571), job availability (270 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Jackson vs Olive Branch?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $36,703 in Jackson and $34,379 in Olive Branch. The Jackson 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