The Complete Career Guide for Graphic Designers in Tulsa, OK

Welcome to Tulsa. If you're a graphic designer thinking about relocating here, you’re looking at a city that’s quietly stable, affordable, and home to a surprising number of agencies and in-house teams. I’ve lived here for over a decade and watched the design scene grow from a few scattered freelancers to a small but tight-knit community. This guide is built on hard data and local knowledge—no fluff. Let’s get into the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real day-to-day of being a designer in Tulsa.

The Salary Picture: Where Tulsa Stands

First, the bottom line. The median salary for a Graphic Designer in the Tulsa metro area is $59,407/year, or $28.56/hour. This trails the national average of $61,340/year, but that gap narrows significantly when you factor in Tulsa’s cost of living. The local job market is modest—there are 821 jobs in the metro—but it’s stable, with a 10-year job growth of 3%. This isn’t a boomtown for design, but it’s not a desert either. It’s a place where you can build a career without fighting NYC or Austin-level competition.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level based on local market data and BountyJobs/ZipRecruiter trends for the region.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Tulsa)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$42,000 - $52,000	Production work, social media graphics, basic logo tweaks, learning brand systems.
Mid-Level (3-6 yrs)	$55,000 - $72,000	Lead design projects, client presentations, brand identity systems, mentoring juniors.
Senior-Level (7-10 yrs)	$70,000 - $92,000	Art direction, complex branding campaigns, managing vendor relationships, strategy input.
Expert/Lead (10+ yrs)	$85,000+	Creative director track, department leadership, high-level client strategy, system design.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid to senior is where you see the biggest local salary leap. Mid-level designers often cap out around $72k unless they move into management or specialize. To break into the $85k+ range, you typically need to be at a larger agency (like Saxum or Littlefield Agency) or in a niche B2B/healthcare role.

How Tulsa Compares to Other Oklahoma Cities

Tulsa anchors the state’s design market, but it’s worth looking at the broader landscape. Oklahoma City has a larger market but similar pay, while smaller cities like Norman or Lawton have far fewer opportunities.

City	Median Salary	Job Volume	Cost of Living vs. US Avg
Tulsa	$59,407	821	89.5
Oklahoma City	$60,100	~1,100	92.1
Norman	$56,800	~150	90.8
Lawton	$52,300	<50	82.4

Tulsa’s sweet spot is its balance. OKC has more jobs but higher rent and a more corporate feel. Norman is tied to the university, which creates a student-heavy freelance market. For a mid-career designer, Tulsa offers the best mix of opportunity and affordability.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk real money. A median salary of $59,407 sounds good, but what’s left after Uncle Sam and your landlord? Using Oklahoma’s 2024 tax brackets (federal 22% bracket for this income, state 4.75%), your take-home pay is roughly $45,800/year or $3,817/month.

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Tulsa costs $900/month. This leaves you with $2,917/month for everything else. That’s a workable budget, especially compared to national averages.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Graphic Designer ($59,407 Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,817	After federal & state taxes
Rent (1BR)	$900	City average
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Varies by season
Internet	$60	Cox is the main provider
Groceries	$400	Shopping at Aldi/Reasor's
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assume $300 payment + $150 insurance
Gas	$120	Commute varies by neighborhood
Health Insurance (if not employer)	$300	Marketplace estimate
Misc/Entertainment	$437	Dining out, hobbies, etc.
Savings/Debt	$1,000	Aggressive savings goal

Home Buying Reality Check: With $1,000/month in savings, you could save $12,000/year for a down payment. The median home price in Tulsa is around $230,000. A 20% down payment is $46,000—achievable in 4 years with discipline. However, interest rates and property taxes (Tulsa County has a relatively high rate) will impact your monthly mortgage. Many designers here buy in the $180k-$250k range, often in suburbs like Bixby or Jenks.

Insider Tip: If you’re single and on a $52,000 entry-level salary, your take-home is closer to $3,200/month. After a $900 rent, you’re tighter on budget. Consider a roommate or look for apartments in the $750-$800 range in Midtown or South Tulsa.

Where the Jobs Are: Tulsa's Major Employers

Tulsa’s design market isn’t dominated by tech giants. Instead, it’s a mix of advertising agencies, corporate in-house teams, and nonprofits. Here are the key players:

1. Saxum: A powerhouse PR and marketing agency downtown. They have a large in-house creative team handling everything from digital ads to annual reports for energy and healthcare clients. They hire mid-to-senior level designers consistently. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a preference for designers who understand B2B and data visualization.

2. Littlefield Agency: Another downtown staple, known for brand strategy and advertising. Their design team is smaller but highly skilled. They work with regional and national brands. Hiring Trend: They often hire through referrals. Networking at local AIGA events is key here.

3. St. Francis Hospital (and other healthcare systems): Healthcare is massive in Tulsa. St. Francis, Saint John, and Oklahoma Surgical Hospital all have in-house marketing teams needing designers for patient education materials, internal comms, and digital assets. Hiring Trend: Stable, benefits-heavy roles. They value reliability and the ability to work with strict brand guidelines.

4. The University of Tulsa (TU) & Tulsa Community College (TCC): Both universities have marketing departments that hire graphic designers for recruitment materials, event graphics, and web content. Hiring Trend: Often contract or temporary-to-permanent. Good for building a portfolio if you’re new to the market.

5. BOK Financial: As one of Tulsa’s largest employers, BOK’s marketing team is always in need of designers for financial reports, digital banking interfaces, and internal branding. Hiring Trend: Corporate, with a slower hiring process but excellent benefits and job security.

6. Local Nonprofits (e.g., Tulsa Community Foundation, George Kaiser Family Foundation): These organizations have robust communications teams and often hire designers for campaign work. Hiring Trend: Project-based or grant-funded roles can be less stable but offer meaningful work.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren’t posted publicly. Join the Tulsa AIGA chapter and attend their events. Also, connect with recruiters at KFORTE and Apex Systems, who handle contract roles for many of these employers.

Getting Licensed in OK

Graphic design is a field where your portfolio trumps any license. However, if you plan to freelance formally or offer services like trademark design, you’ll need to understand Oklahoma’s business requirements.

State-Specific Requirements:

• No state license is required for graphic designers.
• If you operate as a sole proprietor under a name other than your own (e.g., “Creative Tulsa Designs”), you must file a Trade Name (DBA) with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. Filing fee: $25.
• To hire employees or form an LLC, you’ll register with the Oklahoma Secretary of State (LLC filing fee: $100).
• You must obtain an Oklahoma Tax Commission number for sales tax if you sell physical goods (e.g., printed materials). Services are generally not taxable.

Timeline & Costs:

• Starting as a Freelancer (no employees): You can start immediately. File a DBA if needed ($25, online, instant). Get an EIN from the IRS (free, 5 minutes).
• Forming an LLC: One week for processing. Total cost: $100 (state) + $25 (optional DBA) = $125.
• Total Time to Legally Operate: 1-2 days for basics, 1-2 weeks for an LLC.

Insider Tip: For freelance designers, start as a sole proprietor. It’s simple and low-cost. Only form an LLC when you’re making consistent income (over $30k/year) or need liability protection for client contracts.

Best Neighborhoods for Graphic Designers

Where you live affects your commute, social life, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods popular with creative professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Downtown	Why Designers Love It
Midtown	Historic, walkable, artsy. Home to the Brady Arts District.	$950-$1,100	5-10 min drive / 20 min walk	Close to agencies, coffee shops, and the creative scene. Young professional vibe.
Cherry Street	Quaint, established. Tree-lined streets, local boutiques.	$900-$1,050	10-15 min drive	Quiet but charming. Great for those who want a neighborhood feel with easy access to downtown.
South Tulsa (near 71st & Yale)	Modern, suburban, family-friendly.	$850-$1,000	15-20 min drive	More space for the money. Close to larger employers like St. Francis and BOK.
Brookside	Trendy, walkable, with a mix of old and new.	$1,000-$1,200	10-15 min drive	Popular with young creatives. Great restaurants and bars, but pricier.
Jenks/Bixby (Suburbs)	Quiet, safe, excellent schools.	$800-$950	20-30 min drive	Ideal for designers with families or who work from home. Lower rent, bigger apartments.

Insider Tip: If you’re new to Tulsa and want to network, Midtown is the epicenter. You’ll be minutes from agency events and creative meetups. For a quieter, more affordable start, South Tulsa offers a great balance.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Tulsa isn’t a place for rapid vertical jumps, but it’s excellent for building a deep, stable career. Growth often comes from specialization or moving into leadership.

Specialty Premiums:

• UI/UX Design: While rare in-house, local agencies are starting to value this. A UI/UX specialist can command a 15-20% premium over a generalist, potentially pushing a mid-level salary from $72k to $85k.
• Motion Graphics: With the rise of video content, designers with After Effects skills are in demand. This can add a $5k-$10k premium.
• Print & Production: This is a dying skill, but it’s still valued in corporate settings (like BOK) and agencies handling large-scale campaigns. It won’t boost your salary dramatically but makes you indispensable.

Advancement Paths:

1. Designer → Senior Designer → Art Director → Creative Director (Agency Path)
2. Designer → Brand Manager → Marketing Director (Corporate Path)
3. Designer → Freelancer → Small Studio Owner (Entrepreneurial Path)

10-Year Outlook: With 3% growth, the market will expand slowly. The biggest opportunities will be in digital-first design (web, social, email) and in-house roles at growing healthcare and energy companies. Remote work is becoming more common, which could allow Tulsa-based designers to compete for national salaries while enjoying local cost of living.

Insider Tip: To advance, you must specialize. Become the go-to person for a specific skill—like data visualization for healthcare reports or brand systems for startups. This is how you move from a $60k designer to a $90k leader.

The Verdict: Is Tulsa Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches further. Rent is 30-40% lower than national averages.	Limited Job Market: Only 821 jobs. Less variety than major metros.
Stable, Growing Economy: Strong in healthcare, energy, and aerospace. Recession-resistant.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in coastal cities.
Strong Community: A close-knit design scene with active AIGA and meetups.	Cultural Pace: Slower than Austin or Denver. Fewer major conferences or events.
Work-Life Balance: Short commutes and a laid-back culture.	Limited Senior Roles: Fewer opportunities for creative director positions.
Great for Families: Safe suburbs, good schools, and affordable homes.	Remote Work Lag: Some local companies are slow to adopt fully remote policies.

Final Recommendation:
Tulsa is an excellent choice for mid-career graphic designers (3-10 years experience) who value stability, affordability, and a balanced lifestyle. It’s perfect if you want to buy a home, raise a family, or build a freelance business on the side. For entry-level designers, it’s a good place to start if you’re willing to hustle for your first role. For experts seeking $120k+ salaries or cutting-edge tech work, it may feel limiting. If you’re in the middle, Tulsa offers a quality of life that’s hard to beat.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a graphic design job in Tulsa?
It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible. The market is small, so you need a strong portfolio and local connections. Use LinkedIn to target the major employers listed above and attend AIGA events. Contract roles through agencies like KFORTE are a common entry point.

2. Can I freelance successfully in Tulsa?
Yes, but you’ll need to build a local client base initially. Start with small businesses, nonprofits, and other freelancers. The low cost of living means you can survive on less while you build your roster. Many designers here supplement freelance income with part-time or contract work.

3. How does the cost of living really feel day-to-day?
It feels comfortable. You can get a good 1-bedroom for $900, a nice dinner for $20, and a tank of gas for under $40. The biggest savings are in housing and transportation (shorter commutes). You’ll feel less financial pressure than in larger cities, which can be great for creative freedom.

4. What’s the networking scene like?
Small but active. The Tulsa AIGA chapter is your best bet. They host portfolio reviews, workshops, and socials. Also, follow local design studios on Instagram—they often post about meetups. Coworking spaces like 36 Degrees North are hubs for creatives and freelancers.

5. Should I move to Tulsa without a job lined up?
It’s a risk, but many have done it successfully. With $10k-$15k in savings, you can cover 3-6 months of expenses ($3,000/month). Start networking immediately, be open to contract roles, and consider freelance to bridge the gap. The low cost of living makes this a more viable gamble than in pricier cities.

Data Sources: Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, supplemented by local job board aggregators (Indeed, Glassdoor) for metro-specific numbers. Job growth data from BLS 10-year projections. Cost of Living Index from Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Rent data from Zillow and Apartment List. All figures are 2024 estimates.