Graphic Designer Salary in Jackson, MS: $48,900 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Jackson, MS earns a median $48,900/year (≈ $23.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Jackson's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.0), that paycheck buys what $54,914 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.3% below the Mississippi state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a projected salary of $48,900 in 2026, graphic designers in Jackson, Mississippi, face a significant disparity when compared to the national median of $65,075. The local salary range spans from $36,703 at the 10th percentile to $81,386 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse job market where incomes can vary widely based on experience, specialization, and the employer's scope. Data derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that these figures reflect not only the potential for growth in the field—with an annual growth rate of 3.36%—but also the competitive nature of the local market, where remuneration may be influenced by the choice between freelance opportunities and in-house positions.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,703 | $17.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,334 | $19.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,900 | $23.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,931 | $31.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,386 | $39.13 |
Median Salary Position
24.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
In Jackson, MS, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,683 (2026 est.). At $48,900, the local median is 24.86% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jackson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jackson Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Jackson median: $48,900/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jackson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $55,758 | -12.30% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -24.86% less |
Graphic Designers in Jackson, MS earn a median of $48,900 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.86% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 12.30% below the Mississippi state average of $55,758.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jackson has a cost of living 10.95% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jackson, MS has a cost-of-living index of 89.048 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $48,900 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,914 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,030
2025 BLS Actual
$47,310
2026 Current Est.
$48,900
2019–2027 Growth
+20.3%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,900 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,543 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jackson metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 12.6% from $42,030 (2019) to $47,310 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,543 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,513 (20.25%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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) | $36,703 – $41,334 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,334 – $48,900 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,900 – $64,931 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,931 – $81,386 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Jackson
The job market in Jackson employs around 270 graphic designers, which contributes to a robust creative community. Given the cost of living index of 89.048, designers need to consider how their take-home pay aligns with housing and general expenses in the area. Companies that pay the highest salaries are often found within corporate marketing divisions of banks and consumer packaged goods firms, along with top marketing agencies. Specialty areas such as motion graphics or brand identity tend to offer higher compensation than general design roles, highlighting the importance of portfolio strength and choosing the right employer. For designers looking to maximize their pay in Jackson MS, building a diverse skill set and understanding the dynamics of freelance versus agency work can be key strategies to explore.
More salary data for Jackson, MS:
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 $47,310 for graphic designersin the Jackson 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, 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