Graphic Designer Salary in Glendale, CA: $69,797 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Glendale, CA earns a median $69,797/year (≈ $33.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Glendale's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $61,713 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Glendale, California enjoy a median annual salary of $69,797, which exceeds the national median of $65,075 by 7.26%. The salary range in this area stretches from $45,234 at the 10th percentile to $108,185 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the different levels of experience and specialization within the field. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data along with regional price adjustments, highlighting the city's market context. The demand for motion graphics and brand identity specialists is particularly pronounced, as these roles can command a premium over general graphic design, making Glendale's job market a promising environment for creative professionals looking to maximize their potential earnings.
About the Glendale Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,234 | $21.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,253 | $26.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,797 | $33.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,340 | $42.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,185 | $52.01 |
Median Salary Position
7.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Glendale
In Glendale, CA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,951 (2026 est.). At $69,797, the local median is 7.26% above 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: $69,797/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Glendale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $69,381 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | +7.26% more |
Graphic Designers in Glendale, CA earn a median of $69,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.26% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.60% above the California state average of $69,381.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Glendale has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Glendale, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,797 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,713 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,891
2025 BLS Actual
$67,528
2026 Current Est.
$69,797
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 | $55,891 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,253 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,389 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,197 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,184 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,754 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,528 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,797 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,142 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Glendale metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $55,891 (2019) to $67,528 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,142 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,251 (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) | $45,234 – $55,253 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,253 – $69,797 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,797 – $89,340 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,340 – $108,185 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Glendale
The job market for graphic designers in Glendale is relatively stable, with 36 professionals currently employed in this sector. However, a cost-of-living index of 113.1 indicates that living expenses in the area are somewhat above the national average. This reality necessitates a strategic approach for designers to maximize their take-home pay. High compensations are often found within corporate marketing teams in sectors such as finance and consumer packaged goods, as well as at top advertising agencies like Wieden+Kennedy and Droga5. The salary differences in Glendale can be attributed to factors like specialty focus, employer type, and individual portfolio strength. For those in the graphic design field, building expertise in motion graphics, pursuing positions in reputable agencies, and enhancing one’s portfolio can be beneficial strategies for achieving higher pay in this competitive market.
More salary data for Glendale, 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 $67,528 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