Norman vs Oklahoma City: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Norman, OK and Oklahoma City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norman, OK | Oklahoma City, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,633▲ | $51,990 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.19▲ | $25.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,312▲ | $28,228 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,928▲ | $36,724 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,051▲ | $66,647 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,881▲ | $81,954 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 1,080▲ |
Verdict
Norman, OK offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oklahoma City.
The salary gap between Norman and Oklahoma City is $6,643 (12.78%). Norman's median is -9.90% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norman spans $56,569,Oklahoma City spans $53,726. Norman 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, Norman ($65,954 effective) pays 14.69% more than Oklahoma City ($57,506 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norman if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,633/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,881)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,954)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,080 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Norman grew 31.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.0% growth in Oklahoma City over the same period.
Norman, OK
$43,249 (2024) → $56,727 (2025)
Oklahoma City, OK
$41,570 (2019) → $50,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norman, OK
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Norman or Oklahoma City?
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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