Graphic Designer Salary in Temple, TX: $58,483 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Temple, TX earns a median $58,483/year (≈ $28.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Temple's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $60,920 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.6% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Temple, TX, the projected graphic designer salary for 2026 stands at $58,483, marking a notable difference from the national median salary of $65,075, reflecting a local compensation rate that is approximately 10.13% lower than the national average. Salaries in the area span a range from $38,495 at the 10th percentile to $90,649 at the 90th percentile, providing a wide potential for earnings depending on specialization and experience. These figures, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and regional cost adjustments, place Temple in an interesting position for graphic designers, especially those who specialize in high-demand areas such as motion graphics or brand identity, which typically command a premium over general design roles. With a steady annual growth rate of 3.36%, the job market here shows potential for advancement.
About the Temple Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,495 | $18.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,454 | $22.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,483 | $28.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,858 | $35.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,649 | $43.58 |
Median Salary Position
10.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Temple
In Temple, TX, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,154 (2026 est.). At $58,483, the local median is 10.13% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Temple: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Temple Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Temple median: $58,483/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Temple Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $49,731 | +17.60% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -10.13% less |
Graphic Designers in Temple, TX earn a median of $58,483 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.13% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 17.60% above the Texas state average of $49,731.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Temple 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.
Temple, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $58,483 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,920 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,831
2025 BLS Actual
$56,582
2026 Current Est.
$58,483
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Temple (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,972 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,573 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,115 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,942 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,442 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,582 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,483 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,448 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Temple metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $46,831 (2019) to $56,582 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,448 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,617 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Temple 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) | $38,495 – $46,454 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,454 – $58,483 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,483 – $74,858 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,858 – $90,649 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Temple
Within the vicinity of Temple, only 14 graphic designers are currently employed, indicating a relatively localized job market. The cost of living index is pegged at 96, suggesting that overall expenses are below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power for graphic designer pay in Temple, TX. Notably, in-house corporate marketing teams tend to offer higher salaries, particularly in sectors like finance or consumer packaged goods that prioritize brand identity. The variance in pay reflects several factors, including the type of employer and specialization—e.g., those proficient in motion graphics can often command higher rates compared to general graphic designers. For professionals looking to maximize their income, strengthening one's portfolio, gaining experience with mid-tier agencies, and exploring freelance opportunities for specialized projects would be practical strategies in this market.
More salary data for Temple, 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 $56,582 for graphic designersin the Temple 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 Temple 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