Graphic Designer Salary in Longview, TX: $51,628 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Longview, TX earns a median $51,628/year (≈ $24.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Longview's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.5), that paycheck buys what $57,695 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Longview, Texas, can expect a median annual salary of $51,628, which reflects a substantial gap compared to the national average of $65,075. This local market offers a salary range spanning from $35,721 at the 10th percentile to $76,641 at the 90th percentile. These figures are drawn from official BLS OEWS surveys and illustrate the financial dynamics within the region. Understanding how the freelance day rate versus project rate model plays out in this market is essential. Many designers start on freelance platforms, while others aim for stable in-house positions that may offer steadier pay and benefits, albeit often with less creative freedom. Overall, the job market in Longview presents opportunities for both freelancers seeking gigs and those pursuing more traditional employment routes.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,721 | $17.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,000 | $19.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,628 | $24.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,398 | $31.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,641 | $36.85 |
Median Salary Position
20.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Longview
In Longview, TX, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,920 (2026 est.). At $51,628, the local median is 20.66% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Longview: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Longview Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Longview median: $51,628/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Longview Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $49,738 | +3.80% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -20.66% less |
Graphic Designers in Longview, TX earn a median of $51,628 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.66% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.80% above the Texas state average of $49,738.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Longview has a cost of living 10.52% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Longview, TX has a cost-of-living index of 89.485 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $51,628 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,695 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.75% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,120
2025 BLS Actual
$49,950
2026 Current Est.
$51,628
2019–2027 Growth
+4.4%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,628 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,363 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Longview metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew -2.3% from $51,120 (2019) to $49,950 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,363 by 2027 — a total increase of $2,243 (4.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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) | $35,721 – $40,000 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,000 – $51,628 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,628 – $66,398 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,398 – $76,641 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Longview
Despite the lower median salary compared to the national average, Longview's graphic design sector has its strengths. With 50 graphic designers currently employed in the area, the local job market reflects a modest growth rate of 3.36% annually. The cost of living index at 89.485 suggests that, while these salaries may seem lower, they still provide a reasonable standard of living for designers. Employers in Longview, including corporate marketing teams within banks, retailers, and packaging firms, typically offer higher salaries than smaller advertising agencies or freelance roles. Specialization such as motion graphics or brand identity design commands a premium, contributing to the wide pay range. To maximize pay, designers should focus on building strong portfolios, considering in-house positions in sectors like consumer packaged goods or finance, which often yield better compensation than general retail roles.
More salary data for Longview, TX:
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 $49,950 for graphic designersin the Longview 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