Graphic Designer Salary in Fort Collins, CO: $64,145 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Fort Collins, CO earns a median $64,145/year (≈ $30.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Fort Collins's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.1), that paycheck buys what $63,430 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Fort Collins offers a competitive graphic designer salary in 2026, with a median annual figure of $64,145. This places local salaries slightly below the national median of $65,075, highlighting a subtle disparity in overall pay. The range for compensation in this field spans from $46,099 at the lower end to a high of $125,014 for top earners, providing a significant variance that reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels. This data is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys. As Fort Collins continues to grow, the demand for skilled graphic design professionals remains strong, creating opportunities for both freelancers and in-house designers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,099 | $22.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,163 | $24.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,145 | $30.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,251 | $39.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,014 | $60.10 |
Median Salary Position
1.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Collins
In Fort Collins, CO, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,915 (2026 est.). At $64,145, the local median is 1.43% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Collins: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Fort Collins Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Fort Collins median: $64,145/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Collins Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $65,075 | -1.43% less |
Graphic Designers in Fort Collins, CO earn a median of $64,145 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.43% lower than the national median of $65,075.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Collins has a cost of living 1.13% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fort Collins, CO has a cost-of-living index of 101.128 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,145 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,430 — a 1.11% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,290
2025 BLS Actual
$62,060
2026 Current Est.
$64,145
2019–2027 Growth
+31.8%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Fort Collins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,230 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,550 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,060 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,145 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,300 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Collins metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 23.4% from $50,290 (2019) to $62,060 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,300 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,010 (31.84%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Collins 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) | $46,099 – $51,163 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,163 – $64,145 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,145 – $81,251 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,251 – $125,014 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Fort Collins
An estimated 240 graphic designers are currently employed in Fort Collins, supporting a healthy employment rate for this profession. The local cost-of-living index stands at 101.128, slightly above the national average, which can affect net earnings and overall purchasing power. Major employers in the area include in-house corporate marketing teams in sectors like finance and consumer goods, as well as various advertising and digital agencies. Those venturing into specialized areas such as motion graphics or brand identity may find pay rates significantly higher. Achieving a solid position among top-tier agencies often requires a strong portfolio and versatility across different design technologies, especially Adobe Creative Suite. Freelancers should focus on cultivating a robust project portfolio and possibly adopting a day-rate model for premium pricing. Adapting to the local market dynamics is essential for maximizing graphic designer pay in Fort Collins, CO.
More salary data for Fort Collins, CO:
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 $62,060 for graphic designersin the Fort Collins 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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