Graphic Designer Salary in Mississippi: $49,258 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Mississippi's 20 metropolitan areas, the average median graphic designer pay sits at $49,258/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 27-1024. Because Mississippi sits at BEA RPP 85.7 (14% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $57,477 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Pearl ($53,446), Tupelo ($53,433), Madison ($53,220).
In 2026, the average median salary for graphic designers in Mississippi is projected to be $49,258, significantly lower than the national median of $65,075, reflecting a substantial gap of 24.3%. The disparity among cities in the state is notable, with Pearl offering the highest salary at $55,242, while Hattiesburg has the lowest at $39,876. This difference may be influenced by various factors, including the local economy, demand for design services, and the cost of living in these areas. Mississippi does not have specific licensing requirements for graphic designers, allowing professionals to enter the field with a range of qualifications. The demand for graphic design services is driven by local businesses seeking to enhance their branding and marketing efforts. Overall, the state employs approximately 510 graphic designers, with an annual growth rate projected at 3.36%. Major cities like Tupelo, Madison, Southaven, and Horn Lake show competitive salaries near Pearl's, suggesting that opportunities may be expanding in these markets. As the local economy develops and businesses continue to recognize the value of design, the job market for graphic designers in Mississippi is expected to grow steadily.
Mississippi Graphic Designer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Mississippi: $30,026 (lowest entry-level) to $96,786 (highest top earner)
Mississippi vs National Average
Mississippi graphic designers earn 24.31% less than the national median ($-15,817/year difference).
Mississippi Graphic Designer Salary Distribution (2026)
Graphic Designer salaries in Mississippi range from $35,741 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $83,101 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $49,258. The Mississippi median is $15,817 below the US national median of $65,075. The average hourly rate is $23.68/hr. Approximately 510 graphic designers are employed across 20 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,397
2025 BLS Actual
$47,657
2026 Current Est.
$49,258
2019–2027 Growth
+36.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Mississippi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,397 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,648 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,187 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,103 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,743 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,698 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,657 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,258 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,913 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mississippi metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 27.4% from $37,397 (2019) to $47,657 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,913 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,516 (36.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mississippi 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Mississippi
Lowest Paying Cities in Mississippi
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Hattiesburg | $39,876 |
| Jackson | $48,900 |
| Gulfport | $49,489 |
| Biloxi | $50,073 |
| Clinton | $51,277 |
Best Value Cities for Graphic Designers in Mississippi
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Mississippi cities offer the most purchasing power for graphic designers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl | $55,242 | 85.7 | $64,460 |
| Tupelo | $55,228 | 85.7 | $64,443 |
| Madison | $55,008 | 85.7 | $64,187 |
| Southaven | $54,861 | 85.7 | $64,015 |
| Horn Lake | $54,636 | 85.7 | $63,753 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Mississippi
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $35,741 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $49,258 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $83,101 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Mississippi metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 20 Cities in Mississippi
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pearl | $55,242 |
| 2 | Tupelo | $55,228 |
| 3 | Madison | $55,008 |
| 4 | Southaven | $54,861 |
| 5 | Horn Lake | $54,636 |
| 6 | Starkville | $54,233 |
| 7 | Ridgeland | $53,546 |
| 8 | Vicksburg | $53,546 |
| 9 | Oxford | $53,208 |
| 10 | Brandon | $53,151 |
| 11 | Meridian | $52,870 |
| 12 | Olive Branch | $52,766 |
| 13 | Hernando | $52,502 |
| 14 | Columbus | $52,443 |
| 15 | Laurel | $51,579 |
| 16 | Clinton | $51,277 |
| 17 | Biloxi | $50,073 |
| 18 | Gulfport | $49,489 |
| 19 | Jackson | $48,900 |
| 20 | Hattiesburg | $39,876 |
More Mississippi Salary Data
Explore More Graphic Designer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Mississippi in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for graphic designers in Mississippi?
How does Mississippi graphic designer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in Mississippi?
How many graphic designers are employed in Mississippi?
Which Mississippi city offers the best value for graphic designers?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 graphic designer compensation across Mississippi. State averages are employment-weighted across 20 metro areas — larger metro areas with more graphic designerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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