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Graphic Designer Salary in California

How much does a Graphic Designer make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$76,440
Median Annual Salary
$91,760
Mean Salary
$76,440
Median Salary
$36.75
Hourly Rate
28,310 people work as Graphic Designer in California

About This Job: Graphic Designer

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.75
Speaking
3.38
Writing
3.25
Critical Thinking
3.25
Active Learning
3.25

Key Knowledge Areas

Design
4.7
Computers and Electronics
4.4
Fine Arts
4.4
Communications and Media
4.3
English Language
3.8
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (65.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Graphic Designer in California

Salaries for Graphic Designer in California range from $44,650 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $128,270 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $57,160 and $99,510.

Median $76,440
P10: $44,650 P25: $57,160 P75: $99,510 P90: $128,270
10th
$44,650
25th
$57,160
Median
$76,440
75th
$99,510
90th
$128,270
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $44,650 $21.47 $3,720
25th Percentile $57,160 $27.48 $4,763
Median (50th) $76,440 $36.75 $6,370
75th Percentile $99,510 $47.84 $8,292
90th Percentile (Experienced) $128,270 $61.67 $10,689

Note: The mean (average) salary of $91,760 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Graphic Designer salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Graphic Designer Salary by State

Compare Graphic Designer pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Graphic Designer make in California?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designer in California is $76,440 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $91,760.
What is the salary range for a Graphic Designer in California?
Salaries for Graphic Designer in California range from $44,650 at the 10th percentile to $128,270 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $57,160 and $99,510.
What is the starting salary for a Graphic Designer in California?
Entry-level Graphic Designer positions in California typically start around $44,650 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $57,160 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Graphic Designer in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 28,310 people are employed as Graphic Designer in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Graphic Designer in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Graphic Designer in California is approximately $36.75 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS