Graphic Designer Salary in Pomona, CA: $71,714 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Pomona, CA earns a median $71,714/year (≈ $34.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Pomona's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $63,408 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Pomona, California can expect a median annual salary of $71,714, which is notably above the national average of $65,075, reflecting a variance of about 10.20%. The local salary spectrum ranges from $43,930 at the 10th percentile to $111,157 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the wide variety of opportunities available to graphic designers in the area. These projections are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors. The distinction between working in-house for corporations versus agencies tends to influence pay dynamics considerably, with corporate roles often offering more stability and benefits, while agency positions may provide lower starting salaries but the possibility for greater creative freedom and higher long-term earnings.
About the Pomona Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,930 | $21.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,842 | $26.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,714 | $34.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,794 | $44.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,157 | $53.44 |
Median Salary Position
10.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pomona
In Pomona, CA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,227 (2026 est.). At $71,714, the local median is 10.2% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pomona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pomona Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Pomona median: $71,714/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pomona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $69,356 | +3.40% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | +10.20% more |
Graphic Designers in Pomona, CA earn a median of $71,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.20% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 3.40% above the California state average of $69,356.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pomona has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pomona, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,714 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,408 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,426
2025 BLS Actual
$69,383
2026 Current Est.
$71,714
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Pomona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,426 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,826 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,883 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,906 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,192 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,383 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,714 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,124 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pomona metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $57,426 (2019) to $69,383 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,124 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,698 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pomona 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) | $43,930 – $54,842 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,842 – $71,714 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,714 – $91,794 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,794 – $111,157 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Pomona
Currently, Pomona employs around 36 graphic designers, underscoring a modest but stable job market compared to larger cities. The local cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, which means that while salaries are competitive, the higher costs may impact overall purchasing power. Among employers, in-house corporate marketing teams at banks and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies tend to offer some of the highest pay, as they place a premium on design work that aligns closely with their branding strategies. On the other hand, top-tier advertising agencies and specialized digital firms may provide superior compensation, particularly for designers with strong portfolios and niches such as motion graphics or brand identity. To maximize earning potential in Pomona's market, graphic designers should focus on building a diverse and impactful portfolio, consider freelance opportunities for varied projects, and aim for roles that leverage their skills in highly specialized areas.
More salary data for Pomona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $69,383 for graphic designersin the Pomona 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 Pomona 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