Graphic Designer Salary in Buena Park, CA: $70,256 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Buena Park, CA earns a median $70,256/year (≈ $33.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Buena Park's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $62,118 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buena Park, California, graphic designers can anticipate a robust median salary of $70,256 in 2026, reflecting a notable 7.96% premium over the national median of $65,075. The salary spectrum ranges from $44,122 at the tenth percentile to a substantial $108,897 for those at the ninetieth percentile, indicating diverse opportunities depending on experience, expertise, and specialization. These projections are informed by estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, showcasing the competitive nature of the local market. With a growing demand for design services, the Buena Park area presents an exciting environment for graphic designers looking to enhance their careers.
About the Buena Park Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,122 | $21.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,213 | $26.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,256 | $33.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,927 | $43.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,897 | $52.35 |
Median Salary Position
7.96% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buena Park
In Buena Park, CA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,775 (2026 est.). At $70,256, the local median is 7.96% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buena Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buena Park Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Buena Park median: $70,256/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buena Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $69,354 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | +7.96% more |
Graphic Designers in Buena Park, CA earn a median of $70,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.96% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 1.30% above the California state average of $69,354.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buena Park has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buena Park, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,256 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,118 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,258
2025 BLS Actual
$67,972
2026 Current Est.
$70,256
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Buena Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,258 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,629 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,747 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,606 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,338 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,972 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,256 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,616 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buena Park metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $56,258 (2019) to $67,972 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,616 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,358 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buena Park 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) | $44,122 – $54,213 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,213 – $70,256 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,256 – $89,927 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,927 – $108,897 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Buena Park
In Buena Park, the local job market supports around 20 employed graphic designers, a figure that signifies a tight-knit professional community where collaboration and networking can lead to advancement. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, suggesting that although salaries may be higher than the national median, the expenses are also elevated, making take-home pay critical to consider. High-paying opportunities typically arise within in-house corporate marketing teams, especially in sectors like CPG and finance, where brand identity and motion graphics specialties are highly valued. Freelancers often face a split in earnings potential with many competing in a saturated market, while those targeting premium projects can see significant rewards. Emphasizing niche skills and building a comprehensive portfolio can be effective strategies for maximizing graphic designer pay in Buena Park, CA, as employers increasingly seek versatile talents that adapt to evolving design trends.
More salary data for Buena Park, 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
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 $67,972 for graphic designersin the Buena Park 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 Buena Park 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