Graphic Designer Salary in Florence, AL: $39,390 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Florence, AL earns a median $39,390/year (≈ $18.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Florence's price level (15% below national, BEA RPP 84.8), that paycheck buys what $46,441 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 19.6% below the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Florence, Alabama, graphic designers can anticipate a median annual salary of $39,390 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national average of $65,075. The projected salary range spans from $29,313 at the 10th percentile to $57,375 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS data, highlight how the opportunities for emerging specialties, such as motion graphics and brand identity, can elevate a designer's earning potential within the local market. While the overall salaries may trail behind national trends, success in these niches could provide a competitive edge for designers looking to make a mark in Florence's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,313 | $14.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,026 | $16.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,390 | $18.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,305 | $24.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,375 | $27.59 |
Median Salary Position
39.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Florence
In Florence, AL, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,062 (2026 est.). At $39,390, the local median is 39.47% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Florence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Florence Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Florence median: $39,390/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Florence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $48,993 | -19.60% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -39.47% less |
Graphic Designers in Florence, AL earn a median of $39,390 per year (2026 est.), which is 39.47% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 19.60% below the Alabama state average of $48,993.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Florence has a cost of living 15.18% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Florence, AL has a cost-of-living index of 84.817 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $39,390 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,441 in an average-cost city — an effective 17.9% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,150
2025 BLS Actual
$38,110
2026 Current Est.
$39,390
2019–2027 Growth
+30.7%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,695 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,659 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,550 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,390 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,714 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Florence metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 22.3% from $31,150 (2019) to $38,110 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,714 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,564 (30.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Florence 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $29,313 – $34,026 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,026 – $39,390 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,390 – $50,305 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,305 – $57,375 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Florence
With 40 employed graphic designers in the area, the local job market reflects a steady demand, bolstered by a cost-of-living index of 84.817, which indicates that living expenses are lower than the national average. This affordability can enhance the purchasing power of salaries in Florence. Prominent employers include in-house corporate marketing teams in sectors like finance and consumer goods, which tend to offer more attractive compensation compared to general retail positions. The salary spread is influenced by various factors, such as the specialty field a designer has chosen, the reputation of the agency or corporate tier, and the strength of one's portfolio. To maximize their earning potential, graphic designers in Florence should focus on developing a robust portfolio that emphasizes high-demand skills, particularly in motion graphics and brand identity, while also considering the freelance market for flexible income opportunities.
More salary data for Florence, AL:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $38,110 for graphic designersin the Florence metropolitan area. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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