Creative & Education Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Graphic Designer Salary in Colorado

The median graphic designer salary in Colorado is $60,890 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $57,990.

Median Salary
$60,890
vs National
+$2,900
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Graphic Designer Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for graphic designer compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for graphic designer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $60,890 per year, graphic designers in Colorado earn $2,900 more than the national median of $57,990.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning graphic designer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: graphic designers at the 10th percentile earn $38,220, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $103,110 — a $64,890 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $74,227.

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for graphic designers across the country.

Graphic Designer Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,900
+$1,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,900
+$2,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
+$4,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $38,220
25th Percentile $47,670
Median (50th) $60,890
75th Percentile $78,330
90th Percentile $103,110

Graphic Designer Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for graphic designers in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Colorado

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Colorado has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook in Colorado

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Colorado's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Colorado

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Colorado? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Colorado is $60,890 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $38,220 (10th percentile) to $103,110 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,890, a graphic designer in Colorado earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for graphic designers? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for graphic designer pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level graphic designers earn $39,900, while senior professionals earn $92,400.
How does Colorado compare to other states for graphic designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for graphic designers is Hawaii at $98,583. Colorado's median of $60,890 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maryland ($63,789) and Oregon ($63,789).
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level graphic designer in Colorado earns approximately $39,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,400.
What city in Colorado pays graphic designers the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for graphic designers, with a median salary of $74,227. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.