California ranks 2nd of 51 states and D.C. for graphic designers pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($90,710) by $14,270 — a 19% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $44,650 to $128,270 — a $83,620 spread, 28% wider than the national $65,430 range.
California employs roughly 13.2% of all graphic designers in the country (28,310 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $44,650 | $21.46 |
| 25th percentile | $57,160 | $27.48 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $76,440 | $36.75 |
| 75th percentile | $99,510 | $47.84 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $128,270 | $61.67 |
| Mean (average) | $91,760 | $44.11 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $76,440 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $90,710 | +19% |
| Massachusetts | $76,370 | +0% |
| Washington | $76,010 | -1% |
| New York | $74,530 | -2% |
| Virginia | $70,060 | -8% |
| New Jersey | $66,600 | -13% |
| Colorado | $66,360 | -13% |
| Maryland | $66,290 | -13% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Electricians | $76,540 | 73,420 |
| Computer User Support Specialists | $76,870 | 70,920 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $75,780 | 10,120 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $77,170 | 79,610 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $77,350 | 3,990 |
| Interior Designers | $77,360 | 8,360 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Graphic Designers salary in California?
The mean graphic designers salary in California is $91,760 per year. The median (middle) salary is $76,440 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Graphic Designers in California?
Entry-level graphic designerss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $44,650 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $57,160 per year.
What is the highest Graphic Designers salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $128,270 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $99,510 per year.
How does the California Graphic Designers salary compare to the national average?
The median graphic designers salary in California is $76,440, which is +25% above national average of $61,300.