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Graphic Designer Salary in Birmingham, AL β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Birmingham's cost of living (index: 86). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Graphic Designer Salary in Birmingham β€” Key Numbers

$51,574
Median Salary
$37,728
25th Percentile
$70,228
75th Percentile
$92,166
90th Percentile
National median (Graphic Designer)$59,970
vs. National median-14.0%
Birmingham median household income$55,800
vs. City household income-7.6%

Cost of Living in Birmingham

Cost of Living Index
86(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$898/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio20.9%
Annual rent cost$10,776
Median Home Price$215,000
Home Price / Salary4.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$43,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.2 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Birmingham

3.8%
Unemployment Rate
1,120,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
37.7
Median Age

Birmingham has a metro population of 1,120,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Graphic Designer Salary β€” Other Alabama Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Birmingham, AL?

The estimated median salary for a Graphic Designer in Birmingham is $51,574 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $59,970 adjusted by Birmingham's cost of living index (86). The typical salary range runs from $37,728 (25th percentile) to $70,228 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $92,166.

Is Birmingham affordable for a Graphic Designer?

On a $51,574 annual salary, a Graphic Designer in Birmingham would spend approximately 20.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($898/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Birmingham relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $215,000 is 4.2Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Graphic Designer's salary compare to Birmingham's overall income?

Birmingham's median household income is $55,800. A Graphic Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $51,574 earns 7.6% less than the typical Birmingham household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Birmingham has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.