Riverside vs Santa Cruz: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Riverside, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,114▲ | $66,678 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.74▲ | $32.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,936 | $43,680▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,248▲ | $49,747 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,538 | $91,990▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,365 | $111,918▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,370▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Cruz.
The salary gap between Riverside and Santa Cruz is $1,436 (2.15%). Riverside's median is +4.67% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $66,429,Santa Cruz spans $68,238. Santa Cruz has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Riverside ($63,992 effective) pays 5.47% more than Santa Cruz ($60,674 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,114/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,992)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,918)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Riverside grew 51.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.0% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$43,600 (2019) → $65,900 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$59,160 (2019) → $64,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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