Graphic Designer Salary in Cleburne, TX: $49,443 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Cleburne, TX earns a median $49,443/year (≈ $23.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Cleburne's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $51,503 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, graphic designers in Cleburne, Texas, can expect a median annual salary of $49,443, which reflects a significant difference compared to the national median of $65,075 for the same year. Salary estimates indicate a broad range for this profession, with earnings from $32,116 at the lower end (P10) to $76,637 for those at the upper end of the scale (P90). These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for local living costs, providing a glimpse into the unique financial landscape for design professionals in this city. Cleburne's job market illustrates potential stability, yet the challenge remains for graphic designers to leverage their skills effectively to enhance their earning potential.
About the Cleburne Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,116 | $15.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,854 | $18.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,443 | $23.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,287 | $30.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,637 | $36.85 |
Median Salary Position
24.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleburne
In Cleburne, TX, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,521 (2026 est.). At $49,443, the local median is 24.02% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cleburne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cleburne Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Cleburne median: $49,443/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleburne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $49,742 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -24.02% less |
Graphic Designers in Cleburne, TX earn a median of $49,443 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.02% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.60% below the Texas state average of $49,742.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleburne has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cleburne, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $49,443 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,503 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,592
2025 BLS Actual
$47,836
2026 Current Est.
$49,443
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Cleburne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,592 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,557 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,529 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,060 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,759 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,169 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,836 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,443 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,105 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleburne metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $39,592 (2019) to $47,836 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,105 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,513 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleburne 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) | $32,116 – $38,854 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,854 – $49,443 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,443 – $63,287 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,287 – $76,637 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Cleburne
With only seven graphic designers currently employed in Cleburne, the local job market presents a niche opportunity for those considering a career in this field. The cost-of-living index sits at 96, which indicates a slightly lower expense level compared to the national average. This should favorably impact the take-home pay for local designers when compared to other markets. Businesses within in-house corporate marketing teams for industries like banking and consumer packaged goods often offer higher salaries, while advertising agencies may provide a more dynamic range but can also be competitive in compensation, particularly for specialized roles like motion graphics or brand identity. Building a strong portfolio and gaining experience will be crucial for maximizing salaries. As designers navigate their careers, focusing on in-demand specialties and utilizing strong negotiation skills can significantly enhance their graphic designer pay in Cleburne, TX.
More salary data for Cleburne, TX:
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 $47,836 for graphic designersin the Cleburne 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 Cleburne 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