Graphic Designer Salary in Ridgeland, MS: $53,546 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Ridgeland, MS earns a median $53,546/year (≈ $25.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Ridgeland's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $62,481 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Freelance opportunities are significant for graphic designers in Ridgeland, MS, with a projected median salary of $53,546 in 2026. The local salary range spans from $35,578 at the lower end to $82,198 at the upper percentiles, reflecting a broad spectrum of earnings potential. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price considerations, highlight the diverse avenues for compensation that graphic designers can pursue in this market. With a competitive landscape, professionals in Ridgeland must stay attuned to market demands and adapt their services to capitalize effectively on available projects.
About the Ridgeland Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,578 | $17.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,622 | $21.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,546 | $25.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,789 | $32.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,198 | $39.51 |
Median Salary Position
17.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ridgeland
In Ridgeland, MS, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,620 (2026 est.). At $53,546, the local median is 17.72% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ridgeland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ridgeland Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Ridgeland median: $53,546/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ridgeland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $55,777 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -17.72% less |
Graphic Designers in Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $53,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $55,777.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ridgeland has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ridgeland, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $53,546 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,481 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% 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
$42,877
2025 BLS Actual
$51,805
2026 Current Est.
$53,546
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,877 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,922 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,725 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,716 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,473 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,558 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,805 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,546 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,345 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ridgeland metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $42,877 (2019) to $51,805 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,345 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,468 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ridgeland 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) | $35,578 – $44,622 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,622 – $53,546 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,546 – $66,789 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,789 – $82,198 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Ridgeland
The job market for graphic designers in Ridgeland remains relatively modest, with only five designers currently employed in the area. This limited number contrasts sharply with the city's cost-of-living index of 85.7, which suggests that designers may have more purchasing power compared to more expensive markets. In-house corporate marketing teams, particularly in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and financial sectors, often offer the most competitive pay. Moreover, the disparity in earnings can be influenced by the focus on specialized areas like motion graphics or brand identity, which typically demand higher fees. To maximize earning potential, designers should consider developing niche skills, leveraging their portfolios strategically, and aligning themselves with well-established agencies or clients who value premium service over commoditized offerings.
More salary data for Ridgeland, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Ridgeland, MS in 2026?
Is Ridgeland, MS a good place to work as a graphic designer?
Can graphic designers make $100K in Ridgeland?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Ridgeland?
How much does a graphic designer make per hour in Ridgeland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 $51,805 for graphic designersin the Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland 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