Average Graphic Designers Salary in Birmingham, AL
Graphic Designers in Birmingham, AL earn an average annual salary of $55,110, which is notably below the national average of $68,540. This disparity is often influenced by the local economic landscape, industry demand, and the overall cost of doing business within the region, which collectively shape compensation benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,980.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 610 Graphic Designers and a Location Quotient of 0.85, Birmingham presents a slightly less concentrated market compared to the national average. While not a major hub, the presence of over six hundred professionals indicates a stable, albeit moderate, demand for design services within the state capital.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in Birmingham, AL earns-19.6%below the national average.
$26.5
$1,060
$4,593
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Birmingham's Graphic Designer salaries over the past four years isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth and increasing reliance on digital media typically drive demand and, consequently, compensation for creative professionals.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Salary progression for Graphic Designers in Birmingham, much like elsewhere, is significantly tied to experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall below the average, while senior designers with extensive portfolios and specialized skills can command salaries well above $55,110. The percentile gaps between junior, mid-level, and senior roles reflect the career growth trajectory and increasing value placed on expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $32,930 | $15.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $41,333 | $19.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $48,900 | $23.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $68,888 | $33.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $82,980 | $39.9 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,110 in Birmingham, AL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Graphic Designer's salary in Birmingham is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to living expenses.
Job Market Context
610
Total Jobs
1.185
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 0.85x the national average concentration of Graphic Designers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.85 suggests that Graphic Designer jobs are slightly less concentrated in Birmingham, AL, than the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive market where opportunities exist but may not be as abundant as in larger metropolitan areas with a higher concentration of creative agencies and tech companies.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL Graphic Designers Salary | $54,160↓ 2% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $45,190↓ 18% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $55,180↑ 0% | 50 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $51,520↓ 7% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
Hiring Graphic Designerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in Birmingham, AL is $55,110. This typically ranges from $32,930 for entry-level positions to $82,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 19.6% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Graphic Designers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $55,110 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($54,160) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Birmingham's Graphic Designer salary compare to the national average?
Graphic Designers in Birmingham, AL, earn an average of $55,110 annually, which is approximately 19.6% lower than the national average salary of $68,540.
What is the job concentration for Graphic Designers in Birmingham, AL?
The Location Quotient for Graphic Designers in Birmingham is 0.85, indicating that the profession is slightly less concentrated in this area compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Birmingham affect Graphic Designer salaries?
Birmingham's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $55,110 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.
What is the total number of Graphic Designers in Birmingham, AL?
There are approximately 610 Graphic Designers employed in Birmingham, AL, contributing to the local creative economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 1.185 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Graphic Designers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Birmingham, AL