Creative & Education San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Graphic Designer Salary in San Jose, California

The median graphic designer salary in San Jose, CA is $97,423 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 21.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$97,423
vs State Avg
+$17,397
vs National
+$39,433
Cost of Living
168%

Graphic Designer Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $63,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,840
+$25,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,440
+$39,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$147,840
+$59,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $61,152
25th Percentile $76,272
Median (50th) $97,423
75th Percentile $125,328
90th Percentile $164,976

Graphic Designer Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$105,542
Pop. 873,965
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 Jose

Education

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

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in San Jose

Browse open graphic designer positions in San Jose, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in San Jose

How much does a Graphic Designer make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in San Jose, California is $97,423 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $61,152 (10th percentile) to $164,976 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,423, a graphic designer in San Jose earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
San Jose's median graphic designer salary of $97,423 is 21.7% above the California state average of $80,026. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $97,423 in San Jose 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 Jose? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in San Jose 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.