Graphic Designer Salary in Odessa, TX: $49,230 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Odessa, TX earns a median $49,230/year (≈ $23.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Odessa's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.9), that paycheck buys what $52,430 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Odessa, Texas, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $49,230, significantly lower than the national median of $65,075. The local salary range spans from $36,682 at the 10th percentile to $61,468 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diversity in roles and expertise within the field. The data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as part of their Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, projected based on 2025 figures. For designers specializing in motion graphics and brand identity, there exists potential for higher earnings, given the increased demand for these skills in the local market. This unique variance in specializations offers insight into the growing design community within Odessa.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,682 | $17.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,760 | $18.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,230 | $23.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,944 | $25.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,468 | $29.55 |
Median Salary Position
24.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Odessa
In Odessa, TX, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,786 (2026 est.). At $49,230, the local median is 24.35% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Odessa: You'd be above the median
How Odessa Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Odessa median: $49,230/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Odessa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $49,728 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -24.35% less |
Graphic Designers in Odessa, TX earn a median of $49,230 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.35% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.00% below the Texas state average of $49,728.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Odessa has a cost of living 6.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Odessa, TX has a cost-of-living index of 93.896 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $49,230 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,430 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.5% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$41,030
2025 BLS Actual
$47,630
2026 Current Est.
$49,230
2019–2027 Growth
+24.0%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Odessa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,383 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,560 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,630 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,230 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,885 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Odessa metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 16.1% from $41,030 (2019) to $47,630 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,885 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,855 (24.02%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Odessa 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) | $36,682 – $38,760 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,760 – $49,230 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,230 – $53,944 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,944 – $61,468 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Odessa
With approximately 40 graphic designers currently working in Odessa, the local job market shows a steady presence of the profession. The cost of living index stands at 93.896, which indicates a lower than average cost of living and affects the real purchasing power of the graphic designer pay in Odessa, TX. Those seeking to maximize their earnings may find the most profitable opportunities within corporate marketing teams of larger firms, such as banks and tech companies, where salaries tend to be more competitive. Employers in advertising and branding agencies also offer higher pay for experienced positions, particularly for roles that expect a robust portfolio. The gap between lower and higher salaries can often be attributed to the specialization within design—experts in motion graphics and identity branding generally command better compensation compared to their peers in general graphic design roles. To enhance earning potential, designers should focus on building a differentiated portfolio, aiming for high-impact freelance projects, and seeking out roles that allow them to leverage specialized skills.
More salary data for Odessa, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Odessa, TX in 2026?
Is Odessa, TX a good place to work as a graphic designer?
Can graphic designers make $100K in Odessa?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Odessa?
How much does a graphic designer make per hour in Odessa?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 $47,630 for graphic designersin the Odessa 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, 6-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