Graphic Designer in Amarillo, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Amarillo Stands

As a local who’s watched Amarillo’s creative scene evolve from a few dusty ad agencies to a more vibrant, hybrid market, I can tell you the salary landscape here is defined by a lower cost of living and a tighter, more relationship-driven job market. You’re not competing with Austin prices, but you’re also not pulling in Austin paychecks. The median salary for a Graphic Designer in Amarillo is $59,647/year, which breaks down to a hourly rate of $28.68/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $61,340/year, a gap that’s typically offset by Amarillo’s affordability.

The job market is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 406 graphic design-related jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 3%. This isn’t a boomtown for creatives, but it’s a reliable place to build a career, especially if you specialize. The key here is that local employers often value versatility—you might be doing print design one day and social media assets the next.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience level, which follows national trends but compressed for the local market:

Experience Level	Average Years	Amarillo Salary Range	Key Local Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$40,000 - $52,000	Production work, basic layouts, assisting senior designers, learning brand guidelines for local clients.
Mid-Level	3-6 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Managing projects from concept to delivery, client communication, creating branding systems, some web/digital work.
Senior-Level	7-10 years	$65,000 - $80,000+	Art direction, leading design teams, complex branding for regional/national clients, strategic input.
Expert/Principal	10+ years	$75,000 - $95,000+	Creative director roles, running your own agency, consulting for major local industries (ag, energy, healthcare).

How does Amarillo stack up against other Texas cities? It’s a world away from the big metros.

• Dallas/Fort Worth: Median salary for designers is closer to $68,000, but the cost of living is 26% higher than the US average.
• Austin: Salaries can hit $70,000+, but the cost of living is 40% higher than the national average, and housing is fiercely competitive.
• Lubbock: A closer peer with a $58,000 median salary and a cost of living similar to Amarillo’s. The job growth is also modest.
• El Paso: Median salary around $54,000, with a cost of living index of 85.8.

Amarillo sits in a sweet spot if you’re prioritizing purchasing power over a high-salary, high-stress environment.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. Amarillo’s affordability is its main draw. The average 1BR rent is $879/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 90.8 (US avg = 100). This means your dollar stretches farther here.

For a Graphic Designer earning the median salary of $59,647/year, here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown after taxes and rent:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,971	Based on $59,647/year.
Taxes (Fed, FICA, State)	~$1,100	Texas has no state income tax, which is a major benefit. This estimate includes federal and FICA (7.65%).
Net Take-Home Pay	~$3,871	This is your starting point for all expenses.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$879	This is the city-wide average. In nicer neighborhoods, it can be $950-$1,100.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200	Amarillo’s climate means higher AC bills in summer.
Groceries	$350	Amarillo has several H-E-Bs and a growing local farmers market scene.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	Essential. Public transport is limited. A reliable used car is a must.
Gas	$150	Commutes are generally short, but gas prices fluctuate.
Health Insurance (if not employer-provided)	$300	Can be higher, but many local employers offer plans.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$500	Dining out, Netflix, gym, occasional concert at the Globe-News Center.
Savings/Debt	$1,092	Leftover for student loans, retirement, or savings.

Bottom Line: With this budget, you have a healthy $1,092 left for savings, debt, or investing. This is a solid foundation. The lower rent is the game-changer.

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, it’s very feasible. The median home price in Amarillo is around $240,000. With a $59,647 salary, a 20% down payment ($48,000) is a stretch upfront, but a 5-10% down payment is common. For a $240,000 home with 10% down ($24,000), your monthly mortgage (with taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,500-$1,600. Compared to the $879 rent, it’s a jump, but it’s 30% of your gross income—a standard affordability metric. Many designers in their late 20s and 30s do buy homes here, often in neighborhoods like Puckett or the medical district.

Where the Jobs Are: Amarillo's Major Employers

Unlike Austin’s tech scene or Dallas’s corporate hubs, Amarillo’s design jobs are anchored in established, local industries. You won’t find a Google office or a bustling agency district, but you will find stable roles in healthcare, agriculture, energy, and education. Hiring trends show a steady demand for designers who can handle both print and digital, especially for businesses that are slowly modernizing their marketing.

Here are 5-7 key local employers to target:

1. Baylor Scott & White Health: As one of the largest healthcare systems in Texas, their Amarillo campus (on Plains Blvd) has an in-house marketing team. They need designers for patient education materials, internal communications, and community event branding. Hiring is consistent due to the healthcare sector’s stability.
2. Coastal Plains Hospital & Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center: Another major healthcare hub. Design roles here are often tied to grant-funded projects, medical education materials, and public health campaigns.
3. Cactus Feeders: A massive, privately-owned agribusiness headquartered in Amarillo. Their marketing needs are significant—from product packaging to sales presentations and trade show materials. This is a great spot for designers with an interest in agriculture and B2B marketing.
4. Xcel Energy: The regional energy giant has a large presence in Amarillo. They have an in-house communications team that handles everything from safety brochures to community reports and digital ads. It’s a stable, well-paying corporate environment.
5. Amarillo College: The community college’s marketing department hires designers for course catalogs, event posters, and recruitment materials. It’s a good entry point with strong benefits and a mission-driven culture.
6. Amarillo Design Group: A well-known local full-service agency that handles branding, web, and marketing for clients across Texas and the Southwest. Working here gives you exposure to a variety of industries and is a classic agency experience.
7. Local Media Outlets (e.g., KVII, Amarillo Globe-News): While traditional media has contracted, these outlets still need designers for ad layouts, special publications, and digital content. It’s a fast-paced environment that hones your layout skills.

Insider Tip: Many jobs are never posted online. The Amarillo design community is small and tight-knit. Join the Amarillo Chapter of AIGA (if active) or the Panhandle Professional Designers group on LinkedIn. A personal referral here goes a very long way.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has no state-specific licensing requirements for graphic designers. You do not need a license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to practice. This is a huge relief and reduces your barrier to entry.

The only “licensing” that matters is professional certification, which is voluntary but can boost your credibility and salary potential. The most recognized is the Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. This is a self-study and exam process.

• Cost: The exam fee is typically $125 per certification.
• Timeline: With focused study (10-20 hours), you can prepare and take an exam in 1-2 months. It’s a credential you can earn while working your first job.
• What’s Required: A computer with Adobe software, a proctored exam (online or at a test center). No degree is required for the certification.

Your portfolio is your true “license” in this field. In Amarillo, employers care more about the quality of your work and your ability to communicate with clients than any formal credential.

Best Neighborhoods for Graphic Designers

Amarillo’s neighborhoods are defined by commute, lifestyle, and price. While there’s no dedicated “design district,” certain areas offer better access to employers and creative amenities.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Best For
The Medical District (West Amarillo)	Professional, quiet, close to Baylor SW. Short commute to major healthcare employers. Near I-40 for easy access.	$900 - $1,100	Designers working in healthcare or corporate roles. Safe, clean, modern apartments.
Puckett / Southwest Amarillo	Family-friendly, established, with older homes. Close to Amarillo College and some agencies. Good value.	$800 - $950	Mid-career designers looking for a community feel and space to own a home.
Downtown / Historic Route 66	Urban, walkable, with a growing arts scene. Home to galleries, the Amarillo Art Institute, and a few creative agencies.	$850 - $1,150	Creatives who want to be in the heart of the action. Commute to employers is easy via I-40 or Soncy Rd.
South Amarillo (near I-27)	Affordable, expanding, with newer apartment complexes. Commute to most employers is under 20 minutes.	$750 - $900	Young designers on a tight budget who want modern amenities and don’t mind a drive.
The Colonies (East Amarillo)	Upscale, master-planned community. Farther from the core of employers but offers luxury living.	$1,000 - $1,200+	Senior designers or those with higher incomes seeking a premium lifestyle.

Insider Tip: Don’t sleep on Route 66 Historic District. While it’s not a design hub yet, the city is investing in revitalization there. Being nearby puts you in touch with the local arts community and offers a unique, inspiring environment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Amarillo, career growth isn’t about jumping to a new company every two years; it’s about deepening your expertise and building a reputation. The 3% job growth means you’ll likely need to create your own advancement.

Specialty Premiums:

• Web/UI Design: Designers with strong coding skills (HTML, CSS, basic JavaScript) or Figma/Sketch proficiency can command a 10-15% salary premium. This is in high demand as local businesses want better websites.
• Branding/Identity: Specialists who can build a full brand system (logo, style guide, collateral) are valued by local agencies and growing businesses. This can push you from mid-level to senior pay.
• Motion Graphics/Video: Basic video editing (Premiere Pro, After Effects) is a huge differentiator. With the rise of social media, businesses need short-form video content. A designer who can also produce video is nearly priceless in Amarillo’s market.

Advancement Paths:

1. In-House: Stay at a company like Xcel or Baylor, moving from Designer to Senior Designer to Art Director or Marketing Manager. This path offers stability and benefits.
2. Agency: Start at a local agency, build a portfolio of diverse clients, and eventually become a Creative Director or open your own shop (which many do in Amarillo due to lower overhead).
3. Freelance/Consultant: After 5-7 years, many designers go freelance. The low cost of living means you can survive on fewer clients while building a roster. The local network is crucial here.

10-Year Outlook: The market will likely remain stable, with slow growth. The key will be adapting to digital trends. Print isn’t dead in Amarillo (ag and manufacturing still need it), but digital skills are non-negotiable. Expect more remote work opportunities, which can supplement local income. The designer who embraces both traditional and digital will thrive.

The Verdict: Is Amarillo Right for You?

Amarillo isn’t for everyone, but for the right designer, it’s a hidden gem. It offers a sustainable career where you can own a home, avoid burnout, and still do meaningful creative work.

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living allows for financial stability and home ownership.	Limited job market (406 jobs) means less choice and competition.
No state income tax increases your take-home pay.	Slower job growth (3%) may limit rapid career advancement.
Short commutes (15-20 minutes average) and less traffic.	Smaller creative community with fewer events, conferences, and meetups.
Stable, relationship-based employers offer job security.	Lower salary ceiling compared to major metros.
Friendly, laid-back lifestyle and access to outdoor activities (Palo Duro Canyon).	Fewer specialized niches; you may need to be a generalist.

Final Recommendation:
Amarillo is an excellent choice for:

• Early-career designers wanting to build a strong portfolio without crippling debt.
• Mid-career designers seeking a better work-life balance and a path to homeownership.
• Specialists in design for agribusiness, healthcare, or energy, who want to be near the industry.
• Freelancers looking for a low-overhead base of operations.

It may not be the right fit for:

• Designers seeking the fastest career climb or a high-energy, trend-driven scene.
• Those who crave a constant influx of new agencies and tech startups.
• Specialists in niches like high-end fashion or video game design.

If your priority is building a solid, sustainable creative career where your dollar stretches, Amarillo is a compelling and often overlooked option.

FAQs

1. Do I need a degree to get hired as a graphic designer in Amarillo?
No. A strong portfolio is far more important. While some employers prefer a bachelor’s, many hire based on skill and experience. Amarillo College offers a respected 2-year AAS in Graphic Design that many local employers recognize. It’s a cost-effective way to build skills and network.

2. How hard is it to find a job in Amarillo without connections?
It’s harder than in a big city, but not impossible. Start by applying directly to the major employers listed above. Use LinkedIn to connect with HR and marketing managers at those companies. Attend local business networking events (like those hosted by the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce) to meet people. Being persistent and local-focused is key.

3. Is freelancing viable in Amarillo?
Yes, but it requires hustle. The low cost of living means you can survive on less, but your client pool will be primarily local small businesses and non-profits. To succeed, you need to network aggressively and possibly offer services to clients in larger Texas cities (Dallas, Austin) via remote work. Many freelance designers in Amarillo have a mix of local and remote clients.

4. What software should I master?
The Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is non-negotiable. For digital work, Figma is becoming the standard for UI/UX design. Basic knowledge of WordPress or Wix is a huge plus, as many small businesses need websites. Video skills in Premiere Pro are increasingly valuable.

5. How’s the work-life balance in Amarillo?
Generally excellent. The culture is less "hustle-obsessed" than coastal cities. 40-hour workweeks are the norm, and overtime is rare outside of agency deadlines. The easy commute and access to outdoor recreation (like Palo Duro Canyon for hiking) make it easy to disconnect after work.