Graphic Designer Salary in Waco, TX: $54,698 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Waco, TX earns a median $54,698/year (≈ $26.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Waco's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.5), that paycheck buys what $59,101 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.0% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Waco, Texas, can expect a median annual salary of $54,698, significantly lower than the national median of $65,075. The salary range in this locale spans from $38,481 at the lower end to $94,233 at the high end, as indicated by official BLS OEWS surveys. These figures reflect the competitive yet fragmented local market where freelance designers often attract lower rates unless they specialize in high-demand areas such as motion graphics or brand identity. Employers in Waco typically fall into two main categories: in-house corporate marketing teams, which offer steadier pay, and advertising agencies, which may provide a more varied project scope but can be tougher to break into for emerging designers. Understanding the nuances of the Waco market is essential for maximizing income potential.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,481 | $18.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,956 | $22.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,698 | $26.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,458 | $35.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,233 | $45.30 |
Median Salary Position
15.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waco
In Waco, TX, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,752 (2026 est.). At $54,698, the local median is 15.95% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waco: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waco Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Waco median: $54,698/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waco Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $49,726 | +10.00% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -15.95% less |
Graphic Designers in Waco, TX earn a median of $54,698 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.95% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 10.00% above the Texas state average of $49,726.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waco has a cost of living 7.45% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waco, TX has a cost-of-living index of 92.55 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $54,698 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,101 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,790
2025 BLS Actual
$52,920
2026 Current Est.
$54,698
2019–2027 Growth
+42.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,698 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,536 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waco metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 33.0% from $39,790 (2019) to $52,920 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,536 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,746 (42.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waco 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) | $38,481 – $46,956 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,956 – $54,698 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,698 – $73,458 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,458 – $94,233 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Waco
With 110 graphic designers currently employed in Waco, the area presents a modest but stable job market. The cost of living index stands at 92.55, indicating that overall living expenses are lower than the national average, allowing designers to stretch their salaries further. To optimize earnings, local designers should consider pursuing specialized roles in high-paying sectors such as consumer packaged goods (CPG) and finance, where larger companies often offer better compensation packages compared to general retail positions. The disparity in wages often arises from various factors including individual portfolio strength, agency tier, and the specific skills demanded by top firms. Freelancers may also benefit by shifting from commoditized platforms to premium project engagements where experience and specialized skills can command higher daily rates. Ultimately, understanding the local landscape of graphic designer pay in Waco, TX, and strategically positioning oneself to meet market demands will contribute to long-term career success.
More salary data for Waco, 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 $52,920 for graphic designersin the Waco 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