Graphic Designer Salary in Oklahoma City, OK: $51,990 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Oklahoma City, OK earns a median $51,990/year (≈ $25.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Oklahoma City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $57,506 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.1% below the Oklahoma state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Oklahoma City, graphic designers find themselves in an evolving job market, with a projected median annual salary of $51,990 for 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the national median of $65,075, highlighting a pay gap that graphic designers in the city will need to navigate. The salary range for designers varies widely, with entry-level positions earning around $28,228 and experienced professionals potentially making up to $81,954. These figures stem from comprehensive surveys by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and reflect the unique dynamics of the local economy, which can influence salary potential. Local job options include both in-house corporate roles and agency positions, each with its distinct pay scale and opportunities for advancement.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,228 | $13.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,724 | $17.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,990 | $25.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,647 | $32.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,954 | $39.40 |
Median Salary Position
20.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oklahoma City
In Oklahoma City, OK, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,726 (2026 est.). At $51,990, the local median is 20.11% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oklahoma City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oklahoma City Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Oklahoma City median: $51,990/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oklahoma City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $57,831 | -10.10% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -20.11% less |
Graphic Designers in Oklahoma City, OK earn a median of $51,990 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.11% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 10.10% below the Oklahoma state average of $57,831.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oklahoma City has a cost of living 9.59% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oklahoma City, OK has a cost-of-living index of 90.408 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $51,990 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,506 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,570
2025 BLS Actual
$50,300
2026 Current Est.
$51,990
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Oklahoma City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,330 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,080 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,990 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,737 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 21.0% from $41,570 (2019) to $50,300 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,737 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,167 (29.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oklahoma City 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) | $28,228 – $36,724 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,724 – $51,990 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,990 – $66,647 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,647 – $81,954 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Oklahoma City
The graphic design scene in Oklahoma City employs approximately 1,080 professionals, offering a competitive environment despite its average cost-of-living index of 90.408, which is lower than the national average. This economical setting allows graphic designers to stretch their salaries further, although they must consider options that may enhance their earnings. Corporate marketing teams within sectors like finance and consumer packaged goods tend to offer higher pay compared to general retail positions. The variation in salaries primarily stems from specialization areas, agency prestige, and portfolio strength; roles focusing on motion graphics or brand identity often command higher rates. Freelance designers may also encounter a spectrum of pay, heavily influenced by project scope and clientele. To maximize their earnings in Oklahoma City, graphic designers should build a strong portfolio, network with industry professionals, and continuously hone their skills in high-demand areas, such as web and social media design.
More salary data for Oklahoma City, OK:
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 $50,300 for graphic designersin the Oklahoma City 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