Sacramento vs San Francisco: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,189 | $95,143▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.11 | $45.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,445 | $56,300▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,013 | $70,988▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,750 | $119,836▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,830 | $147,247▲ |
| Total Employed | 920 | 3,870▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Francisco is $17,954 (23.26%). San Francisco's median is +46.21% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $73,385,San Francisco spans $90,947. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($82,294 effective) pays 13.73% more than Sacramento ($72,362 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,143/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,247)
- ✓Larger job market (3,870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,294)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Sacramento grew 33.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$56,020 (2019) → $74,680 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$69,900 (2019) → $92,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Sacramento or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Francisco as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Sacramento vs 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