Graphic Designer Salary in Glendale, AZ: $62,662 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Glendale, AZ earns a median $62,662/year (≈ $30.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Glendale's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $63,616 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Glendale, Arizona, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $62,662 in 2026, which places local compensation slightly below the national median of $65,075. Salary ranges indicate significant variation, with the lowest earners making approximately $36,914, while the most experienced can earn up to $97,126. These figures reflect estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, taking into account regional price adjustments. The decision to work in-house for a corporation versus at an agency can greatly influence earning potential, with agency roles often leading to a broader range of project experience but typically starting at lower pay than in-house corporate roles, where many graphic designers find steadier work and benefits.
About the Glendale Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,914 | $17.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,942 | $22.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,662 | $30.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,207 | $38.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,126 | $46.70 |
Median Salary Position
3.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Glendale
In Glendale, AZ, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,212 (2026 est.). At $62,662, the local median is 3.71% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Glendale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Glendale Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Glendale median: $62,662/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Glendale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $59,678 | +5.00% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -3.71% less |
Graphic Designers in Glendale, AZ earn a median of $62,662 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.71% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.00% above the Arizona state average of $59,678.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Glendale has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Glendale, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $62,662 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,616 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,177
2025 BLS Actual
$60,625
2026 Current Est.
$62,662
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,177 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,829 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,839 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,725 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,995 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,625 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,662 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,767 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Glendale metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $50,177 (2019) to $60,625 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,767 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,590 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glendale 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,914 – $46,942 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,942 – $62,662 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,662 – $80,207 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,207 – $97,126 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Glendale
In Glendale, around 50 graphic designers are employed, revealing a competitive yet manageable job market for professionals in this field. The local cost of living index, sitting at 98.5, indicates that while salaries might lag slightly behind national averages, the purchasing power remains viable for residents. Industries such as corporate marketing and branding, particularly in sectors like consumer packaged goods and finance, generally offer the highest salaries, while advertising agencies, although providing creative diversity, often compensate at varied rates that depend on the agency’s prestige. The disparity in pay among designers often stems from specialization, with expertise in motion graphics or brand identity commanding higher rates. Those seeking to maximize their earnings in Glendale should focus on portfolio development, consider freelance opportunities for high-end clients, and explore roles at top-tier agencies to benefit from the salary premiums associated with experienced positions.
More salary data for Glendale, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $60,625 for graphic designersin the Glendale metropolitan area. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Glendale 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