Graphic Designers Salary in California
Graphic Designers in California earn a median annual wage of $75,130 —19.3% above the national median of $62,960. That ranks CA #5 of 51 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is 1.18× as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for graphic designers
All 51 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $87,920 | $42.27 | 1,150 | 1.29 |
| 2 | Rhode Island | $78,220 | $37.61 | 750 | 1.17 |
| 3 | New York | $77,340 | $37.19 | 14,530 | 1.18 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $76,710 | $36.88 | 4,450 | 0.96 |
| 5 | California | $75,130 | $36.12 | 27,390 | 1.18 |
| 6 | Maryland | $75,120 | $36.12 | 3,050 | 0.87 |
| 7 | New Jersey | $73,790 | $35.48 | 5,670 | 1.04 |
| 8 | Washington | $72,710 | $34.96 | 3,960 | 0.88 |
| 9 | Connecticut | $72,700 | $34.95 | 1,930 | 0.89 |
| 10 | Virginia | $72,310 | $34.77 | 4,740 | 0.91 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialists | $85,030 | $74,750 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,660 | $47,320 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $47,010 | $39,390 |
| Producers and Directors | $129,790 | $90,360 |
| Editors | $98,030 | $77,920 |
| Interior Designers | $80,230 | $67,190 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do graphic designers make in California?
The median annual wage for graphic designers in California is $75,130, or $36.12 per hour. That is 19.3% above the national median of $62,960.
What is the entry-level graphic designers salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $46,190 per year ($22.21/hour). The 25th percentile is $55,500.
How many people work as graphic designers in California?
About 27,390 people work in this occupation in California, or 1.5 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for graphic designers?
California ranks #5 of 51 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 1.18x as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Which state pays graphic designers the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median wage at $87,920 per year, followed by Rhode Island ($78,220) and New York ($77,340).