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Graphic Designers Salary in California
Ranked #2 of 51 · CA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of graphic designerss in California earn between $46,190 and $129,560. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean graphic designers salary in California is $86,800, about 23% above the U.S. average ($70,560). That works out to roughly $42/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in California
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,360 | $107,360 | 1,280 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $92,050 | $102,130 | 3,870 |
| Napa, CA | $79,090 | $79,990 | 60 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $78,500 | $84,370 | 210 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $75,750 | $82,320 | 210 |
| Vallejo, CA | $74,800 | $81,440 | 90 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $74,680 | $80,000 | 920 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $72,400 | $81,680 | 13,810 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in California?
The median graphic designers salary in California is $75,130 per year (mean $86,800), and about 80% earn between $46,190 and $129,560.
How much do graphic designers make per hour in California?
Roughly $42 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $86,800 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is California a high-paying state for graphic designers?
California ranks #2 of 51 states for graphic designers pay. Its mean salary of $86,800 is about 23% above the U.S. average of $70,560.
Which metro areas in California pay graphic designers the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in California for graphic designers are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($97,360), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($92,050), Napa, CA ($79,090), by median annual wage.