Graphic Designer Salary in Redlands, CA: $70,185 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Redlands, CA earns a median $70,185/year (≈ $33.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Redlands's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $62,056 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Redlands, California, graphic designers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $70,185 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $65,075. Salaries for this role in the area range from $43,960 at the lower end to $108,786 at the top, indicating demand for talent within this creative field. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. Graphic designers who specialize in motion graphics or brand identity typically command a premium rate, making Redlands an appealing market for professionals with such skill sets, particularly as local companies increasingly seek specialized expertise to elevate their brand messaging.
About the Redlands Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,960 | $21.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,071 | $26.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,185 | $33.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,836 | $43.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,786 | $52.30 |
Median Salary Position
7.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Redlands
In Redlands, CA, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,826 (2026 est.). At $70,185, the local median is 7.85% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Redlands: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Redlands Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Redlands median: $70,185/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Redlands Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $69,352 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | +7.85% more |
Graphic Designers in Redlands, CA earn a median of $70,185 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.85% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 1.20% above the California state average of $69,352.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Redlands has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Redlands, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,185 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,056 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,201
2025 BLS Actual
$67,903
2026 Current Est.
$70,185
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Redlands (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,201 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,571 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,691 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,543 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,535 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,247 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,903 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,185 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,543 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Redlands metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $56,201 (2019) to $67,903 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,543 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,342 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redlands 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) | $43,960 – $54,071 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,071 – $70,185 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,185 – $89,836 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,836 – $108,786 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Redlands
Within this small community, the local graphic design market remains competitive, with 16 professionals currently employed in this field. The cost of living in Redlands, indexed at 113.1, illustrates that household expenses are above the national average, which impacts how much designers can expect to take home each month. Opportunity often exists with in-house corporate marketing teams in sectors like retail and finance, which tend to pay significantly higher than the generalized graphic design roles. Competition for higher salaries is influenced by factors such as specialty areas, employer types, and the designer's experience level. To maximize earning potential, designers should focus on building a robust portfolio that showcases their unique skills, especially in high-demand areas like motion graphics, while considering freelancing or agency work that offers broader project variety and creative opportunities despite the risks associated with fluctuating income stability.
More salary data for Redlands, 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 $67,903 for graphic designersin the Redlands 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 Redlands 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