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Graphic Designers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Graphic Designers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$75,130
Median Annual Salary
▼
-1.7% vs 2024
$86,800
Mean Salary
$75,130
Median Salary
$36.12
Hourly Rate
27,390 people work as Graphic Designers in California
Graphic Designers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Graphic Designers in California earn a median salary of $75,130 per year ($6,260/month).
This is 24.0% above the national average of $60,609.
California ranks #5 out of 51 states for Graphic Designers pay.
Approximately 27,390 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries decreased by 1.7% compared to 2024.
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)
Salaries for Graphic Designers in California range from $46,190 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $129,560 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $55,500 and $99,240.
Median $75,130
P10: $46,190P25: $55,500P75: $99,240P90: $129,560
10th
$46,190
25th
$55,500
Median
$75,130
75th
$99,240
90th
$129,560
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$46,190
$22.21
$3,849
25th Percentile
$55,500
$26.68
$4,625
Median (50th)
$75,130
$36.12
$6,260
75th Percentile
$99,240
$47.71
$8,270
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$129,560
$62.29
$10,796
Note: The mean (average) salary of $86,800 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Graphic Designers in California is $75,130 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $86,800.
What is the salary range for a Graphic Designers in California?
Salaries for Graphic Designers in California range from $46,190 at the 10th percentile to $129,560 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $55,500 and $99,240.
What is the starting salary for a Graphic Designers in California?
Entry-level Graphic Designers positions in California typically start around $46,190 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $55,500 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Graphic Designers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 27,390 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 $36.12 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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.
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