Graphic Designer Salary in Inglewood, CA: $70,789 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Inglewood, CA earns a median $70,789/year (≈ $34.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Inglewood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $62,590 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Inglewood offers a competitive edge in graphic designer salaries, with a median annual compensation projected at $70,789 for 2026, outpacing the national average by approximately 8.78%. The salary range varies significantly, spanning from $42,182 at the 10th percentile to $109,723 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living considerations, reflect the vibrant choices between in-house corporate roles and agency positions. While in-house jobs typically provide stability and benefits, agency roles can present broader project scopes and creative opportunities that may lead to higher compensation as designers climb the ranks. As the job market evolves, Inglewood presents unique opportunities, appealing to both established designers and newcomers seeking a foothold in the dynamic field.
About the Inglewood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,182 | $20.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,024 | $25.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,789 | $34.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,611 | $43.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,723 | $52.75 |
Median Salary Position
8.78% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Inglewood
In Inglewood, CA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,541 (2026 est.). At $70,789, the local median is 8.78% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Inglewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Inglewood Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Inglewood median: $70,789/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Inglewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $69,401 | +2.00% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | +8.78% more |
Graphic Designers in Inglewood, CA earn a median of $70,789 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.78% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 2.00% above the California state average of $69,401.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Inglewood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Inglewood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,789 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,590 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,685
2025 BLS Actual
$68,488
2026 Current Est.
$70,789
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Inglewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,685 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,067 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,162 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,082 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,082 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,016 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,488 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,789 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,168 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Inglewood metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $56,685 (2019) to $68,488 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,168 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,483 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Inglewood 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) | $42,182 – $53,024 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,024 – $70,789 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,789 – $90,611 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,611 – $109,723 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Inglewood
Across Inglewood, the employment market for graphic designers shows a modest yet stable presence, with 21 professionals currently established in the area. The cost of living index here is 113.1, relatively higher than the national average, which can impact take-home pay and purchasing power. Top-paying employers generally emerge from in-house corporate marketing teams, particularly in sectors such as consumer packaged goods and finance, while premier advertising agencies also boast substantial offerings. The disparity in salaries can be linked to several factors: specialized skills in areas like motion graphics or brand identity tend to earn more, while agency prestige and corporate tier influence overall compensation. For those aiming to maximize their earnings, enhancing one's portfolio with niche skills and exploring opportunities within established firms could prove beneficial, especially considering the complexities of freelance work where rates can vary dramatically based on client projects and market demand.
More salary data for Inglewood, 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 $68,488 for graphic designersin the Inglewood 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 Inglewood 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