Graphic Designer Pay

Los Angeles vs West Covina: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Los Angeles, CA and West Covina, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Los Angeles, CA
$74,833
$35.98/hr
West Covina, CA
$69,522
$33.43/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLos Angeles, CAWest Covina, CA
Median Salary$74,833$69,522
Hourly Rate$35.98$33.43
Entry Level (P10)$47,029$44,838
25th Percentile$55,597$54,712
75th Percentile$98,647$88,988
Top Earner (P90)$127,743$107,759
Total Employed13,81025
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Los Angeles ($74,833) and West Covina ($69,522) graphic designer salaries.Los AngelesWest CovinaMedian Salary$74,833$69,522Entry Level (P10)$47,029$44,838Top Earner (P90)$127,743$107,759US Median $65,075

Verdict

Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Covina.

The salary gap between Los Angeles and West Covina is $5,311 (7.64%). Los Angeles's median is +15.00% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $80,714,West Covina spans $62,921. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Los Angeles
P10 (Entry)$47,029
P25$55,597
Median$74,833
P75$98,647
P90 (Top)$127,743
West Covina
P10 (Entry)$44,838
P25$54,712
Median$69,522
P75$88,988
P90 (Top)$107,759

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($65,894 effective) pays 7.20% more than West Covina ($61,469 effective).

Los Angeles
Nominal: $74,833
CoL Index: 113.566
Adjusted: $65,894
West Covina
Nominal: $69,522
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $61,469

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Los Angeles if…

  • Higher median salary ($74,833/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($127,743)
  • Larger job market (13,810 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,894)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose West Covina if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Los Angeles grew 21.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -23.9% growth in West Covina over the same period.

Los Angeles, CA

+21.9%

$59,390 (2019) → $72,400 (2025)

West Covina, CA

+-23.9%

$88,405 (2024) → $67,262 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Los Angeles or West Covina?

Los Angeles has a higher median graphic designer salary at $74,833/year, compared to West Covina at $69,522/year — a difference of $5,311 (7.64%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and West Covina?

Los Angeles graphic designers earn $35.98/hr while West Covina hygienists earn $33.43/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Los Angeles to West Covina as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Los Angeles and West Covina. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Los Angeles = $65,894, West Covina = $61,469), job availability (13,810 vs 25 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Los Angeles vs West Covina?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $47,029 in Los Angeles and $44,838 in West Covina. The Los Angeles area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, BFAData verified by Carlos Rodriguez, MA

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