Creative & Education San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Graphic Designer Salary in San Diego, California

The median graphic designer salary in San Diego, CA is $82,346 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$82,346
vs State Avg
+$2,320
vs National
+$24,356
Cost of Living
142%

Graphic Designer Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $53,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,960
+$15,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,360
+$24,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,960
+$36,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $51,688
25th Percentile $64,468
Median (50th) $82,346
75th Percentile $105,932
90th Percentile $139,444

Graphic Designer Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$105,542
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$97,423
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$84,665
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$68,428
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Graphic Designer in San Diego

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in San Diego

Browse open graphic designer positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in San Diego

How much does a Graphic Designer make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in San Diego, California is $82,346 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $51,688 (10th percentile) to $139,444 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,346, a graphic designer in San Diego earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
San Diego's median graphic designer salary of $82,346 is 2.9% above the California state average of $80,026. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $82,346 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in San Diego? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in San Diego require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Color Theory. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.