Graphic Designer Salary in The Dalles, OR: $55,532 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in The Dalles, OR earns a median $55,532/year (≈ $26.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in The Dalles's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $54,125 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In The Dalles, OR, the projected median annual salary for graphic designers in 2026 is $55,532, reflecting a local market that slightly lags behind the national median of $65,075. The salary range from $38,273 at the 10th percentile to $86,075 at the 90th percentile illustrates the diverse earning potential within the field. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost characteristics, highlight the differences in pay depending on whether a designer works in-house or at an agency. Positions within corporate marketing teams tend to provide steadier pay and benefits, while agency roles may offer a broader project array but can come with initial lower bases. Overall, those considering a career in graphic design in The Dalles will be entering a market defined by its unique agency versus in-house dynamics.
About the The Dalles Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,273 | $18.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,095 | $21.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,532 | $26.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,082 | $34.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,075 | $41.39 |
Median Salary Position
14.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in The Dalles
In The Dalles, OR, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,802 (2026 est.). At $55,532, the local median is 14.66% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in The Dalles: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How The Dalles Graphic Designer Pay Compares
The Dalles median: $55,532/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | The Dalles Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $59,905 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -14.66% less |
Graphic Designers in The Dalles, OR earn a median of $55,532 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.66% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.30% below the Oregon state average of $59,905.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
The Dalles has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
The Dalles, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $55,532 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,125 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,468
2025 BLS Actual
$53,727
2026 Current Est.
$55,532
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in The Dalles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,468 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,552 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,273 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,486 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,271 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,956 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,727 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,532 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,398 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the The Dalles metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $44,468 (2019) to $53,727 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,398 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,930 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the The Dalles 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) | $38,273 – $45,095 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,095 – $55,532 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,532 – $71,082 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,082 – $86,075 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in The Dalles
While only six graphic designers are estimated to be employed in The Dalles, the job market for creative professionals is underscored by the area's slightly elevated cost of living index of 102.6. This index indicates that the purchasing power for salaries may be impacted, particularly for entry-level designers. Among local employers, corporate marketing departments at banks and consumer packaged goods companies often provide the highest compensation due to the demand for specific skills such as motion graphics and brand identity design. The disparity in salaries also arises from the level of expertise, with top agencies likely to offer higher pay for experienced designers or those in leadership roles. To boost earning potential in this area, emerging designers should focus on building a strong portfolio that showcases specialty skills and consider freelance projects that command premium rates, allowing for diversification within their income streams.
More salary data for The Dalles, OR:
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 $53,727 for graphic designersin the The Dalles 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 The Dalles 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