Graphic Designer Salary in Montebello, CA: $68,740 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Montebello, CA earns a median $68,740/year (≈ $33.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Montebello's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $60,778 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Montebello, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $68,740, which represents a 5.63% increase compared to the national median of $65,075. Salaries in the area range from $40,741 at the bottom (P10) up to $106,547 at the top (P90), indicative of the diversity in skills and specializations within the profession. Local estimates, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) state-level data and adjusted for the regional cost of living, reveal both the opportunities and challenges designers face in this market. Incentives for those focusing on specialties like motion graphics and brand identity tend to elevate compensation, thus illustrating the premium attached to these skills in Montebello's job environment.
About the Montebello Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,741 | $19.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,346 | $26.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,740 | $33.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,986 | $42.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,547 | $51.23 |
Median Salary Position
5.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montebello
In Montebello, CA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,806 (2026 est.). At $68,740, the local median is 5.63% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Montebello: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Montebello Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Montebello median: $68,740/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Montebello Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $69,364 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +5.63% more |
Graphic Designers in Montebello, CA earn a median of $68,740 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.63% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.90% below the California state average of $69,364.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Montebello has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Montebello, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,740 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,778 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,044
2025 BLS Actual
$66,505
2026 Current Est.
$68,740
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Montebello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,044 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,386 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,565 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,255 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,227 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,409 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,505 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,740 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,049 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montebello metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $55,044 (2019) to $66,505 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,049 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,005 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montebello 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) | $40,741 – $55,346 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,346 – $68,740 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,740 – $87,986 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,986 – $106,547 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Montebello
With only 16 graphic designers currently employed in Montebello, the competitive landscape is small yet focused. The cost-of-living index of 113.1 suggests that salaries need to keep pace with higher-than-average living expenses, impacting take-home pay. Top earners often find opportunities in in-house corporate marketing and branding teams for banks and retailers, as well as in established advertising agencies. The disparity in compensation can largely be explained by differences in specialty – for example, those skilled in motion graphics may command higher rates than their generalist counterparts. Freelancers face a fragmented market where higher value projects coexist with more commoditized opportunities. To maximize potential earnings, designers should focus on honing their portfolios and establishing a reputation in sought-after specialties, ensuring they leverage both their technical skills in tools like Adobe CC and their ability to navigate the varied employment options within Montebello, CA.
More salary data for Montebello, 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 $66,505 for graphic designersin the Montebello 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 Montebello 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