Graphic Designer Salary in Paragould, AR: $40,176 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Paragould, AR earns a median $40,176/year (≈ $19.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Paragould's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $46,232 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a graphic designer in Paragould, Arkansas, is projected to earn a median annual salary of $40,176, a figure that highlights the significant salary gap when compared to the national median of $65,075. The pay range for local graphic designers spans from $24,962 at the 10th percentile to $62,273 at the 90th percentile, delineating a clear distinction between entry-level positions and experienced roles. These figures are grounded in estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, along with regional price adjustments, reflecting local economic conditions. The choice between agency and in-house employment can substantially influence earnings, with in-house roles typically offering more stability but potentially lower ceilings in salary compared to the broader project diversity and higher pay that might be found in agency settings.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($45,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,962 | $12.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,258 | $15.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,176 | $19.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,426 | $24.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,273 | $29.94 |
Median Salary Position
38.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paragould
In Paragould, AR, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,311 (2026 est.). At $40,176, the local median is 38.26% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paragould: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paragould Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Paragould median: $40,176/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paragould Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $41,122 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -38.26% less |
Graphic Designers in Paragould, AR earn a median of $40,176 per year (2026 est.), which is 38.26% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.30% below the Arkansas state average of $41,122.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paragould has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Paragould, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $40,176 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,232 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$32,171
2025 BLS Actual
$38,870
2026 Current Est.
$40,176
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Paragould (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,171 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,956 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,307 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,802 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,200 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,870 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,176 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,526 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paragould metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $32,171 (2019) to $38,870 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,526 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,355 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paragould 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) | $24,962 – $32,258 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,258 – $40,176 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,176 – $51,426 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,426 – $62,273 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Paragould
As of now, only seven graphic designers are employed in Paragould, underscoring a small but specialized local job market. With a cost-of-living index sitting at 86.9, professionals in this field can enjoy a more favorable environment for purchasing power, making even moderate salaries more manageable. Among local employers, corporate marketing teams within retail and CPG firms generally offer competitive pay, while specialized agencies or freelance opportunities can provide higher earning potential depending on the designer's niche. Pay disparities often arise from factors such as specialty expertise—where skills in motion graphics or brand identity can command premium rates—along with variations in title and responsibility, especially for those stepping into creative director roles. Maximizing salary potential in Paragould requires careful attention to portfolio quality and market positioning, ensuring that talent aligns with the right opportunities in this unique landscape.
More salary data for Paragould, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Paragould, AR in 2026?
Is Paragould, AR a good place to work as a graphic designer?
Can graphic designers make $100K in Paragould?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Paragould?
How much does a graphic designer make per hour in Paragould?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 $38,870 for graphic designersin the Paragould 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
Salary data for Paragould is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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