Graphic Designers Salary in California

How much does a Graphic Designers make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$74,360
Median Annual Salary
$79,850
Mean Salary
$74,360
Median Salary
$35.75
Hourly Rate
29,460 people work as Graphic Designers in California

About This Job: Graphic Designers

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 Designers in California

Salaries for Graphic Designers in California range from $42,540 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $126,240 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $53,840 and $96,670.

Median $74,360
P10: $42,540 P25: $53,840 P75: $96,670 P90: $126,240
10th
$42,540
25th
$53,840
Median
$74,360
75th
$96,670
90th
$126,240
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $42,540 $20.45 $3,545
25th Percentile $53,840 $25.88 $4,486
Median (50th) $74,360 $35.75 $6,196
75th Percentile $96,670 $46.48 $8,055
90th Percentile (Experienced) $126,240 $60.69 $10,520

Note: The mean (average) salary of $79,850 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 Designers salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Graphic Designers take-home pay in California after taxes →

Graphic Designers Salary by State

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Graphic Designers make in California?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in California is $74,360 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $79,850.
What is the salary range for a Graphic Designers in California?
Salaries for Graphic Designers in California range from $42,540 at the 10th percentile to $126,240 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $53,840 and $96,670.
What is the starting salary for a Graphic Designers in California?
Entry-level Graphic Designers positions in California typically start around $42,540 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $53,840 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Graphic Designers in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 29,460 people are employed as Graphic Designers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Graphic Designers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Graphic Designers in California is approximately $35.75 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

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