Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in San Antonio, TX: $29.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in San Antonio, TX runs $29.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,716 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against San Antonio's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.7, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,034 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in San Antonio, TX, earn a median hourly rate of $29.67, which is slightly lower than the national median of $31.29. This compensation reflects the local job market where designers can find opportunities in various settings such as agency creative floors, in-house marketing departments, or freelance environments. Entry-level designers typically start at around $18.48 per hour, while top earners can make up to $47.55 per hour. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics based on 2025 data, underscores the potential for both part-time and freelance workers who balance flexibility with their pay structure. Designers working three days a week can still achieve a substantial income by optimizing their hours across different types of engagements, from traditional office spaces to remote collaborations using Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.48 | $147.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.29 | $186.30 |
| Median (P50) | $29.67 | $237.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.86 | $310.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.55 | $380.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Antonio
Based on $29.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.67/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Antonio, TX can expect to earn approximately $61,723 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,610. With a cost-of-living index of 94.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in San Antonio.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Antonio
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,186.99 | $5,144 | $61,723 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $712.19 | $3,086 | $37,034 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.79 | $2,057 | $24,689 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (San Antonio) | $29.67 |
| Web Developer (National Avg) | $45.87 |
| Art Director (National Avg) | $62.64 |
| Special Effects / Animator (National Avg) | $45.53 |
| Industrial Designer (National Avg) | $41.73 |
Graphic Designers in San Antonio, TX earn a median of $61,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.16% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 24.10% above the Texas state average of $49,731.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.67/hr = $37,034/year (purchasing power: $39,100).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,723/year (purchasing power: $65,167).
CoL index: 94.716 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in San Antonio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in San Antonio grew 12.5% from $25.52/hr (2019) to $28.71/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.67/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem graphic designers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Antonio metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.36% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Graphic Designer in San Antonio
The earning potential for part-time graphic designers is notable, particularly for those working a typical 24-hour week. Such professionals can expect to take home around $46,237 annually, which can vary based on project involvement and employer type. Per diem graphic designer pay in San Antonio can significantly increase, with contract designers charging between $50 and $95 per hour, while specialized roles in motion graphics or brand design may command rates as high as $100 to $180 per hour. Employment in media or corporate marketing teams presents a different scenario, often providing steadier pay with the inclusion of benefits. Some designers may elect to accept lower hourly rates for job security and health insurance, while others might prefer higher pay through freelance work, allowing for full control over project selection. Negotiating your hourly rate is crucial; knowing the local market rates and understanding which employers offer the best opportunities for growth can help optimize your earnings in San Antonio.
More salary data for San Antonio, TX:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for graphic designers in San Antonio. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov