Designer salary
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
A designer earns a median of $64,950 a year ($31.23 an hour) in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The average is $79,090. About 9,480 people work in this job.
Take-home pay on $64,950
- Gross pay
- $2,498.08
- Federal income tax
- −$215.92
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$154.88
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$36.22
- Texas income tax
- $0.00No state income tax on wages
- Take-home pay
- $2,091.05
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $64,950
- Federal
- $5,614
- FICA
- $4,969
- State + local
- $0
- Net
- $54,367
- Marginal federal rate
- 12.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 0.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
Similar jobs
- Athlete and Sports Competitor: $66,710
- Graphic Designer: $62,960
- Interior Designer: $67,190
- News Analyst: $62,200
- Lighting Technician: $68,060
- Interpreter and Translator: $60,170
- Broadcast Technician: $59,570
- Media and Communication Equipment Worker: $70,720
BLS occupation: Designers, All Other. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 27-1029). Excludes the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a designer make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $31.23; the average is $38.02.
What is the salary range for a designer?
The bottom 10% earn under $43,030 and the top 10% earn over $129,110 a year.
How much is $64,950 after taxes?
About $54,367 a year in Texas (no state income tax) or $51,552 in California for a single filer in 2026.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.