Denver vs Aurora: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Denver, CO and Aurora, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Aurora, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,936▲ | $73,291 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.03▲ | $35.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,602▲ | $44,408 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,928▲ | $55,631 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,820▲ | $93,812 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,063▲ | $113,600 |
| Total Employed | 2,590▲ | 54 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Denver and Aurora is $1,645 (2.24%). Denver's median is +15.15% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $78,461,Aurora spans $69,192. Denver has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($70,840 effective) pays 1.49% more than Aurora ($69,801 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,936/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,063)
- ✓Larger job market (2,590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,840)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Denver grew 28.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.2% growth in Aurora over the same period.
Denver, CO
$56,650 (2019) → $72,500 (2025)
Aurora, CO
$70,089 (2024) → $70,908 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Aurora, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Denver or Aurora?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Aurora?
Should I relocate from Denver to Aurora as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Denver vs Aurora?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov