Graphic Designer Salary in Mesquite, TX: $49,436 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Mesquite, TX earns a median $49,436/year (≈ $23.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Mesquite's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $51,496 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mesquite, TX, graphic designers can expect a median annual salary of $49,436 as of 2026, a figure notably lower than the national median of $65,075. The salary range here varies significantly, from $31,307 at the 10th percentile to $76,626 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities and pay structures available in the area. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, indicate that designers working in in-house capacities might enjoy more stable salaries and benefits, while those at agencies could find a broader variety of projects and potentially higher earnings. The choice between these employment structures can heavily influence a graphic designer's overall compensation.
About the Mesquite Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,307 | $15.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,430 | $18.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,436 | $23.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,278 | $30.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,626 | $36.84 |
Median Salary Position
24.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mesquite
In Mesquite, TX, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,319 (2026 est.). At $49,436, the local median is 24.03% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mesquite: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mesquite Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Mesquite median: $49,436/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mesquite Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $49,734 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -24.03% less |
Graphic Designers in Mesquite, TX earn a median of $49,436 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.03% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.60% below the Texas state average of $49,734.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mesquite 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.
Mesquite, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $49,436 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,496 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,587
2025 BLS Actual
$47,829
2026 Current Est.
$49,436
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Mesquite (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,587 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,551 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,523 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,053 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,752 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,161 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,829 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,436 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,097 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mesquite metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $39,587 (2019) to $47,829 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,097 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,510 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mesquite 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) | $31,307 – $38,430 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,430 – $49,436 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,436 – $63,278 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,278 – $76,626 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Mesquite
With only 21 graphic designers currently employed in Mesquite, the local job market remains relatively modest. The city’s cost-of-living index stands at 96, meaning that while salaries may be lower compared to national averages, the affordability factor may offset some of the wage differences, offering reasonable purchasing power to residents. Employers in sectors such as banking, consumer products, and technology often provide the highest pay for in-house graphic design roles, whereas top-tier advertising agencies might pay a premium for positions like creative director. The variation in salaries can often be attributed to specialty skills, such as motion graphics or brand identity, which command higher pay than general graphic design work. To maximize earning potential, designers should focus on building a robust portfolio, seeking specialty projects, and considering roles at firms that leverage high-tier client budgets, ultimately aligning their career paths with the most lucrative segments within the Mesquite market.
More salary data for Mesquite, 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 $47,829 for graphic designersin the Mesquite 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 Mesquite 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