Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Santa Clarita, CA: $34.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Santa Clarita, CA runs $34.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,882 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Santa Clarita's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,529 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Clarita, the graphic designer hourly pay stands at a median of $34.08, reflecting a healthy uptick compared to the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This attractive hourly figure provides ample opportunity for part-time professionals working three days a week, allowing them to balance their schedules while still earning a competitive wage. In various settings—from agency environments with energetic creative floors to remote workspaces utilizing Adobe and Figma—graphic designers can expect an hourly range from $21.24 at the entry level to around $52.82 for top earners. These hourly rate estimations, derived from annual salary data, illustrate the diverse opportunities within the community for graphic design roles in Santa Clarita.
About the Santa Clarita Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.24 | $169.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.42 | $211.35 |
| Median (P50) | $34.08 | $272.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.62 | $348.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.82 | $422.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Clarita
Based on $34.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.08/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Clarita, CA can expect to earn approximately $70,882 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,893. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Clarita.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Clarita
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,363.11 | $5,907 | $70,882 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $817.87 | $3,544 | $42,529 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $545.24 | $2,363 | $28,353 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Santa Clarita) | $34.08 |
| Web Developer (National Avg) | $45.87 |
| Art Director (National Avg) | $62.64 |
| Special Effects / Animator (National Avg) | $45.53 |
| Industrial Designer (National Avg) | $41.73 |
Graphic Designers in Santa Clarita, CA earn a median of $70,882 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.92% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 2.20% above the California state average of $69,356.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.08/hr = $42,529/year (purchasing power: $37,603).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,882/year (purchasing power: $62,672).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Santa Clarita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Santa Clarita grew 20.8% from $27.29/hr (2019) to $32.97/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.22/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem graphic designers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Clarita metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.36% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Graphic Designer in Santa Clarita
Part-time graphic designers working 24 hours a week can anticipate earning approximately $42,484 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts while still maintaining a work-life balance. On the other hand, per-diem graphic designer pay in Santa Clarita can vary widely, with contracted designers billing between $50 and $95 per hour; seasoned brand specialists may command rates of $75 to $150 per hour, while motion graphics experts can reach between $100 to $180 per hour. Different employer types affect pay scales, with in-house corporate teams typically offering steadier remuneration and benefits compared to the possibly higher yet riskier pay from advertising and digital agencies. Some designers opt for lower hourly rates with a benefits package, while others seek higher hourly compensation without health insurance. Negotiating effectively can make a significant impact on hourly wages—researching industry standards and understanding your value can provide an edge when discussing compensation in Santa Clarita.
More salary data for Santa Clarita, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for graphic designers in Santa Clarita. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Santa Clarita is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov