📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Graphic Designers Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$100,195
per year
Median
$89,403
per year
Hourly
$48.17
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$60,761
25th Percentile — Junior$79,332
50th Percentile — Median$89,403
75th Percentile — Senior$121,116
90th Percentile — Top Earners$137,054
💡 Top-earning Graphic Designerss in California make up to $137,054 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$86.4k
2021
$89.0k
2022
$91.7k
2023
$94.4k
2024
$97.3k
2025
$100.2k
2026
📈 Graphic Designers salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Graphic Designers Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $155,302 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $148,289 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $172,335 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $185,361 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $108,211 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $122,238 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $145,283 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $108,211 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $142,277 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $140,273 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $128,250 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $118,230 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $155,302 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $118,230 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $112,218 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $122,238 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $115,224 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $148,289 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $160,312 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Graphic Designers Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Graphic Designerss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $100,195 per year, California's Graphic Designers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $60,761–$79,332, while experienced Graphic Designerss can command $121,116–$137,054.

Looking ahead, the Graphic Designers profession in California is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Graphic Designers salary in California is $100,195 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $70,560.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Graphic Designerss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Graphic Designers employment.
  • At $100,195/year, California Graphic Designers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $70,560/year.