Graphic Designer salary in Houston, TX
Median pay, Houston metro
$58,400/year
about $28.08 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $44,670 – $73,710
Half of graphic designers in the Houston metro area earn more than $58,400 a year and half earn less. That's 7% lower than the national median of $62,960, and ranks #28 of the 29 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $34,270 | $16.48 |
| 25th | $44,670 | $21.48 |
| Median (50th) | $58,400 | $28.08 |
| 75th | $73,710 | $35.44 |
| 90th (top earners) | $90,590 | $43.55 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a graphic designer job in the Houston metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $44,670 ($21.48/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $44,670 to $73,710 ($21.48 to $35.44/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $73,710 ($35.44/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Watch for roles that bundle design, video, social media and web work into one job at one salary.
- Unpaid "test projects" are a common red flag. A short, paid test is fair; a full campaign for free isn't.
- In-house design roles tend to be steadier than agency roles, which can pay more but come with heavier deadlines.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Houston metro. Occupation: Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.