Fremont vs San Francisco: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Fremont, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fremont, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,161▲ | $95,143 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.75▲ | $45.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,193 | $56,300▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,702▲ | $70,988 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,807▲ | $119,836 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,500▲ | $147,247 |
| Total Employed | 43 | 3,870▲ |
Verdict
Fremont, CA offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Francisco.
The salary gap between Fremont and San Francisco is $18 (0.02%). Fremont's median is +46.23% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fremont spans $92,307,San Francisco spans $90,947. Fremont 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, Fremont ($84,139 effective) pays 2.24% more than San Francisco ($82,294 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fremont if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,161/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,500)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,139)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Fremont grew 1.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Fremont, CA
$90,883 (2024) → $92,068 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$69,900 (2019) → $92,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fremont, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Fremont or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fremont and San Francisco?
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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