Graphic Designer Salary in Starkville, MS: $54,233 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Starkville, MS earns a median $54,233/year (≈ $26.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Starkville's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $63,282 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Starkville, Mississippi, graphic designers can expect a median annual salary of $54,233 in 2026, which reflects local compensation norms influenced by state-level data and regional cost considerations. Salaries range significantly, from $33,230 at the lower end to as much as $84,062 for those in the highest echelons of the profession. This disparity highlights the varied paths within the graphic design field, including freelance rates versus project rates, which can significantly influence earnings. Those working in specialized areas such as motion graphics or brand identity tend to secure higher pay, particularly when compared to more general graphic design roles. Starkville's job market reflects these trends, making it essential for designers to understand their worth relative to the market.
About the Starkville Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,230 | $15.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,448 | $21.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,233 | $26.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,681 | $33.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,062 | $40.41 |
Median Salary Position
16.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Starkville
In Starkville, MS, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,832 (2026 est.). At $54,233, the local median is 16.66% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Starkville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Starkville Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Starkville median: $54,233/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Starkville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $55,795 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -16.66% less |
Graphic Designers in Starkville, MS earn a median of $54,233 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.66% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.80% below the Mississippi state average of $55,795.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Starkville 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.
Starkville, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $54,233 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,282 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,428
2025 BLS Actual
$52,470
2026 Current Est.
$54,233
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Starkville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,428 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,486 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,261 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,328 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,095 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,233 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,055 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Starkville metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $43,428 (2019) to $52,470 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,055 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,627 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Starkville 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) | $33,230 – $44,448 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,448 – $54,233 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,233 – $68,681 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,681 – $84,062 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Starkville
The local job market for graphic designers in Starkville is relatively limited, with only five employed in this specific field. The cost of living, indexed at 85.7, suggests that while salaries are lower than the national average, they may afford a reasonable standard of living for professionals sticking to design basics. Companies in this area, particularly in in-house positions for corporate marketing in finance or consumer packaged goods, may offer the highest salaries. The pay discrepancy in Starkville stems from various factors, including specialization and employer type—top-tier agencies typically offer higher salaries compared to general retail. Designers looking to maximize their pay may consider furthering their skills in high-demand areas like brand identity or motion graphics, as well as focusing on building a strong portfolio that showcases versatility and creativity, key attributes for climbing the pay scale in this market.
More salary data for Starkville, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $52,470 for graphic designersin the Starkville 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 Starkville 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