Creative & Education San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Graphic Designer Salary in San Francisco, California

The median graphic designer salary in San Francisco, CA is $105,542 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$105,542
vs State Avg
+$25,516
vs National
+$47,552
Cost of Living
182%

Graphic Designer Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $69,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $160,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,160
+$31,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,560
+$47,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$160,160
+$72,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $66,248
25th Percentile $82,628
Median (50th) $105,542
75th Percentile $135,772
90th Percentile $178,724

Graphic Designer Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$97,423
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$84,665
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$82,346
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$68,428
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Graphic Designer in San Francisco

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. San Francisco 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 Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open graphic designer positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Graphic Designer make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in San Francisco, California is $105,542 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $66,248 (10th percentile) to $178,724 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $105,542, a graphic designer in San Francisco earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
San Francisco's median graphic designer salary of $105,542 is 31.9% above the California state average of $80,026. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $105,542 in San Francisco 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 Francisco? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in San Francisco 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.