Santa Fe vs Taos: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Santa Fe, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Santa Fe, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,688 | $56,514▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.45 | $27.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,460▲ | $38,065 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,626 | $45,383▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,851 | $70,933▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,114 | $87,597▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Taos, NM offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Fe.
The salary gap between Santa Fe and Taos is $9,826 (21.05%). Taos's median is -13.16% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Santa Fe spans $37,654,Taos spans $49,532. Taos 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, Taos ($59,867 effective) pays 26.65% more than Santa Fe ($47,271 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,514/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,597)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,867)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Santa Fe grew -10.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.1% growth in Taos over the same period.
Santa Fe, NM
$50,260 (2019) → $45,170 (2025)
Taos, NM
$45,159 (2024) → $54,677 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
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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