In Austin, TX, Graphic Designers earn a median of $60,660 a year — about 6% below the U.S. median of $64,700. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #17.
What that pay is worth in Austin
Local prices run 98 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $64,450 salary is about break-even with the national average ($65,721 adjusted).
Can Graphic Designers afford a home in Austin?
A typical Austin home runs about $512,700 — 8.0 times the average Graphic Designer salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,655/mo takes roughly 31% of gross pay — above the 30% comfort line.
The Graphic Designer pay ladder in Austin
Entry-level (10th percentile) Graphic Designers earn about $38,520; the top 10% reach $94,620 — a $56,100 spread, moderate for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Graphic Designer job market in Austin
Austin employs roughly 1,900 Graphic Designers. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Austin with other cities
See the full Graphic Designer salary by city ranking to weigh Austin against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Graphic Designers make in Austin?
The average Graphic Designer in Austin, TX earns about $64,450 per year, 0.4% below the national average of $64,700.
What is the take-home pay for Graphic Designers in Austin after taxes?
After federal and TX taxes, this $64,450 salary is worth about $53,965 a year - roughly $4,497 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 16%.
What do the highest-paid Graphic Designers earn in Austin?
The top 10% of Graphic Designers in Austin earn about $94,620 a year, versus about $38,520 for the bottom 10%.
Can Graphic Designers afford a home in Austin?
A typical Austin home runs about $512,700 - roughly 8.0x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.