Graphic Designer Salary in Burbank, CA: $68,519 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Burbank, CA earns a median $68,519/year (≈ $32.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Burbank's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $60,583 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designer salaries in Burbank, California, reflect a vibrant market with a median annual wage of $68,519, slightly above the national average of $65,075. With salaries ranging from $40,485 at the lower end to $106,206 at the upper tier, these figures indicate a healthy variety of compensation based on experience and specialty within the field. Estimates derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, highlighting Burbank's dynamic job market for designers. Higher-paying opportunities often correlate with industries that demand specialized skills, further emphasizing the significance of portfolio strength and professional experience in determining graphic designer pay in Burbank, CA.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,485 | $19.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,272 | $24.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,519 | $32.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,705 | $42.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,206 | $51.06 |
Median Salary Position
5.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burbank
In Burbank, CA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,721 (2026 est.). At $68,519, the local median is 5.29% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burbank: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burbank Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Burbank median: $68,519/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burbank Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $69,352 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +5.29% more |
Graphic Designers in Burbank, CA earn a median of $68,519 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.29% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 1.20% below the California state average of $69,352.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burbank has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burbank, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,519 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,583 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,868
2025 BLS Actual
$66,292
2026 Current Est.
$68,519
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,868 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,205 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,394 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,059 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,028 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,129 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,292 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,519 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,822 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burbank metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $54,868 (2019) to $66,292 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,822 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,954 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank 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) | $40,485 – $51,272 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,272 – $68,519 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,519 – $87,705 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,705 – $106,206 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Burbank
The local job scene shows that 22 graphic designers are currently employed in Burbank, reflecting a steady demand for talent. However, the cost of living index sits at 113.1, indicating that living expenses surpass the national average, which could impact take-home pay. Among potential employers, in-house corporate marketing teams for established banks and consumer package goods (CPG) companies tend to offer the most competitive salaries. Agency work may offer broader project variety but often begins at a lower pay scale. The gap in compensation can also be attributed to specialty areas such as motion graphics or brand identity, which command higher fees. For freelancers, understanding the market's project rate versus day rate model is crucial, as those who can spotlight their unique skills and build robust portfolios may secure premium projects, maximizing their earnings potential in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Burbank, 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 $66,292 for graphic designersin the Burbank 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 Burbank 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