Graphic Designer Salary in Rancho Cordova, CA: $68,805 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Rancho Cordova, CA earns a median $68,805/year (≈ $33.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Rancho Cordova's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $60,836 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary for graphic designers in Rancho Cordova is projected at a median of $68,805, which slightly exceeds the national median of $65,075, highlighting a robust local market for design professionals. Salaries in the region range from $40,886 at the lower end to $106,647 for those at the top of the pay scale. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional prices, indicate a diverse income spectrum that reflects the varying levels of experience and specialty within the graphic design field. Notably, professionals with skills in motion graphics and brand identity may find greater earning potential, contributing to an attractive job market for aspiring designers in Rancho Cordova.
About the Rancho Cordova Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,886 | $19.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,478 | $26.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,805 | $33.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,070 | $42.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,647 | $51.28 |
Median Salary Position
5.73% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rancho Cordova
In Rancho Cordova, CA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,761 (2026 est.). At $68,805, the local median is 5.73% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rancho Cordova: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rancho Cordova Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Rancho Cordova median: $68,805/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rancho Cordova Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $69,360 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +5.73% more |
Graphic Designers in Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $68,805 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.73% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 0.80% below the California state average of $69,360.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rancho Cordova has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rancho Cordova, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,805 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,836 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,096
2025 BLS Actual
$66,568
2026 Current Est.
$68,805
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Rancho Cordova (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,096 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,439 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,616 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,313 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,286 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,493 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,568 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,805 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,117 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rancho Cordova metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $55,096 (2019) to $66,568 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,117 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,021 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rancho Cordova 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) | $40,886 – $55,478 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,478 – $68,805 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,805 – $88,070 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,070 – $106,647 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Rancho Cordova
The job market for graphic designers in Rancho Cordova currently employs about 20 professionals, an encouraging sign of demand in this area. However, the cost of living in Rancho Cordova, reflected in a cost-of-living index of 113.1, indicates that while salaries are competitive, purchasing power may be a concern for some. Top employers in the region, such as corporate marketing teams in finance and retail, often offer the highest pay, especially for specialized roles that prioritize motion graphics and brand identity. The disparity in earnings is influenced by factors such as agency tier, portfolio strength, and the specific nature of design projects. For those looking to maximize their graphic designer pay in Rancho Cordova, focusing on building a strong portfolio, networking with local agencies, and honing in-demand skills can be effective strategies for boosting income potential.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, 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 $66,568 for graphic designersin the Rancho Cordova 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 Rancho Cordova 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