Graphic Designer Salary in Carson, CA: $67,992 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Carson, CA earns a median $67,992/year (≈ $32.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Carson's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $60,117 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Freelancers in Carson, CA can expect to navigate a range of compensation based on their experience and the nature of their projects. In 2026, salaries for graphic designers are projected to reach a median of $67,992, offering slightly more than the national average of $65,075. The salary range for this role spans from $44,554 at the lower end to $105,388 at the upper echelon. These figures are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments that reflect the local economic context. Additionally, with the growth rate estimated at 3.36% annually, there are promising opportunities for graphic designers in Carson, which is key for those considering either freelance or full-time roles.
About the Carson Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,554 | $21.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,857 | $25.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,992 | $32.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,350 | $41.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,388 | $50.67 |
Median Salary Position
4.48% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carson
In Carson, CA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,834 (2026 est.). At $67,992, the local median is 4.48% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carson Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Carson median: $67,992/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $69,380 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +4.48% more |
Graphic Designers in Carson, CA earn a median of $67,992 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.48% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 2.00% below the California state average of $69,380.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carson has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carson, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,992 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,117 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,446
2025 BLS Actual
$65,782
2026 Current Est.
$67,992
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Carson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,446 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,773 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,983 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,589 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,459 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,782 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,992 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,277 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carson metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $54,446 (2019) to $65,782 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,277 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,831 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carson 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) | $44,554 – $53,857 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,857 – $67,992 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,992 – $86,350 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,350 – $105,388 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Carson
With only 21 graphic designers employed in the area, the job market in Carson is relatively tight, contributing to a competitive environment. The cost of living index of 113.1 suggests that while salaries are on the rise, the purchasing power may be impacted due to higher living expenses. Employers who tend to pay the most in the region typically come from in-house corporate marketing teams in sectors such as consumer packaged goods (CPG) and finance, as well as established advertising agencies notable for high-level creatives. The variance in pay can be attributed to several factors, including specialty areas like motion graphics and brand identity, which are often favored by employers willing to pay premium rates. To maximize earnings in Carson, designers should focus on building a strong portfolio, seeking out diverse project types, and negotiating rates that reflect their experience and the value they bring to specific roles, whether freelance or contractual.
More salary data for Carson, 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 $65,782 for graphic designersin the Carson 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 Carson 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